WEST POINT, Ala. – The West Point Warriors returned home after pounding Crossville 43-6 last week, but the Warriors had a little more trouble with Sardis Friday night. After a scoreless opening quarter, West Point went into the half leading 7-0 and led 14-0 midway through the fourth quarter but had to fight off a late run from the Lions to secure a 14-8 region win.
Sardis and West Point each punted on their first two possessions, giving us a scoreless first quarter. However, the Warriors were able to get on the board early in the second quarter when quarterback Hunter Hensley connected with Cade Simmons on the sideline for a 24-yard touchdown pass. The extra point gave West Point a 7-0 lead in the second. The Lions weren’t able to answer, and the Warriors went into the locker room at halftime leading 7-0.
West point was forced to punt on its opening possession of the third quarter, but the Warrior defense was able to make a stop and get the ball back to the offense. That’s when Suyeta DrowningBear took a handoff off left tackle and broke a tackle before sprinting down the home sideline for 67 yards and a touchdown. The extra point put West Point in front 14-0 with just over three minutes remaining in the third quarter.
The Warriors were driving into Sardis territory early in the fourth quarter, but an interception cut the possession short. The Lions’ passing game got them down into West Point territory but an interception by DrowningBear near the goal line ended the drive and gave the ball back to the Warriors. West Point was forced to punt three plays later and Sardis took advantage with a 40-yard touchdown pass. The Lions were successful on the two-point conversion attempt and cut the lead to 14-8 with just under seven minutes to play.
A West Point fumble gave the ball back to Sardis with a little over five minutes remaining on the clock, but the Warriors forced another Lions punt and got the ball back with a chance to ice the game. After a couple first downs, West Point lined up for a 4th and 4 play with 1:34 on the clock near midfield and Kelton Washington plowed ahead for six yards to move the chains and secure the win for the Warriors. West Point took a couple of knees to run out the remainder of the clock and wrap up a 14-8 region win over the Lions.
Washington carried the ball 28 times for 101 yards in the win. Hensley finished with a 24-yard touchdown pass to Simmons and DrowningBear added an interception and 67 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
The Warriors improve to 5-2 with the win and will be on the road next week to take on Douglas.
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