The Blountstown Tigers and Chipley Tigers have met many times over the years, but Friday night's game at newly named Ted Cooper Stadium might be remembered for years to come as the most exciting of the series.
Blountstown and Chipley exchanged punches all night relying on strong running games leading to four lead changes. But late in the fourth quarter, Blountstown put together a last minute drive reaching the Chipley 11 yard line. With 5 seconds on the clock, Sophomore place kicker Andrew Bennett sent his kick through the uprights and Blountstown won the battle between the Tigers, 31-28.
"We played better this week," a pleased coach Greg Jordan said Monday. "We didn't throw it much, but we moved the ball well on the ground. We had C.J. Hires and Jay Wiiliams back in action this week on the offensive line and Dylon Lee was able to play defense for us," Jordan noted.
This week the Tigers will travel to Freeport for another tough matchup. Freeport lost to Ft. Walton in their opener but came back to defeat South Walton last week.
Blountstown's passing attack was held to one completion out of nine attempts. However, that only completion came on the Tigers' first possession and it covered 40 yards from quarterback Hunter Jordan to Josh Taylor for a touchdown. Andrew Bennett's PAT was blocked, but Blountstown led, 6-0. Five minutes later in the opening quarter Bennett would miss a 22 yard field goal attempt.
Late in the first quarter, Chipley drove 80 yards in 8 plays scoring on a 3 yard run. The extra point was good and Chipley was on top, 7-6.
Blountstown responded with a 6 play 65 yard drive with Corin Peterson breaking free and scoring from 17 yards out. Blountstown decided to go fro 2 points and Javakiel Brigham took it into the endzone to give BHS a 14-7 lead.
Chipley came right back with another long drive covering 77 yards in 10 plays ending with a 3 yard scoring run. The PAT tied the game at 14-14 that held to halftime.
Blountstown rushed for 313 yards on 38 plays for an 8.2 yards per carry average. Chipley rushed for 327 yards on 48 carries for a 6.8 yard per carry average.
Chipley scored first in the third quarter on a 7 yard run with just under 4 minutes left in the quarter. The drive covered 58 yards in 8 plays. The PAT was missed but Chipley had taken the lead 20-14.
Late in the third period following a 41 yard drive in 4 plays, Alex Mayorga scored on a two yard run. Bennett's PAT was good and BHS had reclaimed the lead, 21-20.
After a 34 yard 7 play drive, Blountstown added to their lead when Hunter Jordan scored from 3 yards out. Bennett's kick was good and BHS extended their lead to 28-20.
Chipley put together a time consuming 62 yard 15 play drive ending with a 1 yard scoring run. Chipley scored on a 2-point run and the game was tied 28-28 with just under 2 minutes left in the game.
Taking over at their own 48, Blountstown was faced with a 4th and 5 with 15 seconds left. Quarterback Hunter Jordan ran a quarterback draw all the way to the Chipley 11. After calling a time out with only 5 seconds left. With Dylon Lee holding, Andrew Bennett kicked the game winning 26 yard field goal. One second remained on the clock so Blountstown squib kicked and Chipley was forced to fall on the ball and the game was over.
Javakiel Brigham had a big night for BHS rushing for 104 yards on 13 carries with his longest run being 26 yards. Hunter Jordan ran for 88 yards on 13 carries followed by Corin Peterson with 67 yards on 3 carries. Josh Taylor rushed for 34 yards on 3 carries followed by Alex Mayorga with 20 yards on 4 carries
Brigham also led the Blountstown defense with 11 tackles followed by Bobby Andrews and Dylan Lee with 9 each. Corin Peterson had 8 tackles with Tripp Taylor and Ryan Hathcox with 6 each. Tanner Peacock, Tommy Futch, Shon Peterson, Dewayne Larramore, Christian Pierce, Cole Taylor and Austin Capps were also in on defensive plays.
Fans are encouraged to travel to Freeport to support the Blountstown Tigers. After their tremendous winning effort Friday night against Chipley, they deserve your support.
