Rams end Tigers’ playoff run in Round 2, 31-6
The Demopolis Tigers hosted the Faith Academy Rams at Tiger Stadium in the second round of the 2020 AHSAA state playoffs. The Tigers committed seven turnovers on the night, five interceptions and two fumbles, which is hard for any team to overcome. Trailing 10-0 at the half, the game still seemed manageable for the Tigers. However, the Rams continued to chip away, scoring 21 in the third quarter and eventually took the victory, 31-6.
After playing through a scoreless first quarter, it still took another 9:38 to get any points on the board. The Rams on a 17-yard run and the PAT gave the Rams a 7-0 lead over the Tigers with 2:22 remaining in the second quarter.
The Rams then picked off a Tiger pass, the third of the first half, and returned it to the Tiger 41-yard line. The Tiger defense held and forced a 34-yard field goal, extending the Ram lead to 10-0 going into halftime.
A little over mid-way through the third, the Rams returned a Tiger fumble to the Tiger 21-yard line and scored on the next play. The PAT put the Rams up 17-0 with 6:51 to go in the third quarter.
After forcing the Tigers to punt on their ensuing possession, the Rams added a 59-yard catch-and-run at the 3:47 mark of the third quarter. The PAT stretched the Rams’ lead to 24-0.
The Tigers came up short on a fourth down conversion attempt on their next possession and the Rams’ second 59-yard catch-and-run and PAT put them on top 31-0 with 1:00 to go in the third quarter.
Price Smith finally got the Tigers on the board with a 17-yard touchdown reception from Drew Seymore. The 2-point conversion failed, closing the Ram lead to 31-6 with 30 seconds to go in the third quarter.
Neither team scored in the fourth quarter, resulting in the 31-6 Ram’s victory over the Tigers.
In the end, the seven Tiger turnovers and resulting short field opportunities for the Rams were keys to Rams’ success. The Rams totaled 292 yards of total offense for the game, on 131 yards rushing and 161 yards passing. The Tigers totaled 290 yards of total offense, with 133 yards rushing and 157 yards passing. The Rams collected 12 first downs, the Tigers had 10.
Offensively, Camron Wright was the leading rusher, credited with one carry for 51 yards. Peyton Stevenson had six carries for 29 yards and Kelvin Rowser had four carries for 22 yards. Jay Jones gained 19 yards on five carries and Hayes Atkins had 14 yards on four carries.
Seymore connected on 10 passes for 152 yards and one touchdown. Stevenson completed one pass for five yards. Wright led the receiving category with two passes for 80 yards. Price Smith had 35 yards and a touchdown on two catches. Stevenson caught three passes for 34 yards. Atkins had one catch for eight yards and Jaqualon Smith had one catch for five yards.
“It’s hard to digest this. I’ve got to tip my hat to Faith and Coach French. They did an excellent job coaching their players up. They played extremely hard and they made the plays,” said Demopolis head coach Brian Seymore following the game.
“I’m super proud of our kids. This senior bunch is a special group. This group was a blessing to coach. They came out to work every day and I hate that it had to end this way. I’m proud of this coaching staff and I’m proud of this community for supporting this team.”
The Tigers end their season at 11-1 and Class 5A Region 3 Champions.