McAdory Roars Back to Defeat Central 21-20

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — McAdory (5-0, 3-0) claws back from a 20-7 halftime deficit to take down Central (5-2, 2-2) 21-20 at Falcon Field, helping vie for control of the region.

McAdory's defense pitched a shutout, while the offense found the endzone twice in the second half to bring the win back to McCalla.

Central began the game hot. A sloppy opening offensive drive from McAdory forced the Yellowjackets to punt from their endzone, setting up Jaelon Bramlett for an explosive punt return touchdown to put the Falcons on the board early.

Central's defense held firm during the ensuing McAdory drive, forcing another Yellowjackets punt. The Falcons' offense capitalized on their first possession, finding the endzone via a James Freeman rushing touchdown.

A poor snap led to an unsuccessful PAT, which proved to be catastrophic for the Falcons in the fourth quarter. 13-0 Central.

McAdory finally found paydirt late into the second quarter. Quarterback Justin Patton found a wide-open Marcus Briggs streaking down the middle to cut the Central lead to six.

However, the Falcons marched down the field and put an exclamation mark on their first half. Finding the endzone on a goalline rushing TD thanks to AJ Dixon to enter the half with a 20-7 lead.

McAdory has been in a similar situation this season. Just a couple of weeks ago in Tuscaloosa, the Yellowjackets found themselves in an early deficit against Northridge; McAdory eventually mounted a comeback to win 33-24.

For the Falcons to hold on, it would take another strong 24 minutes of football.

McAdory opened the second half with a surprise, dribbling an onside kick that bounced their way to help kickstart their momentum. Running back Kawaan Johnson eventually found the endzone to cut the Central lead to 20-14 in the third quarter.

In the following drive, Central's offense seemed to have continued its momentum from the first half. However, down at the goalline, the Yellowjacket defense made a valiant stand from their one-yard line to hold the Central offense to zero points.

The bell was rung, and McAdory's offense answered the call; marching 99 yards down the field, capped off by another Justin Patton to Marcus Briggs touchdown pass to take their first lead of the evening: 21-20.

Wide receiver Carter Feagin came up big for the Yellowjackets on their 99-yard onslaught, moving the chains on multiple occasions, including a spectacular contested catch down the sideline while surrounded by Falcons defenders.

The Falcons launched a desperate bid to win the game, slowly marching down the field. With about 90 seconds left, Central found themselves behind the sticks on 3rd and 30 after a series of penalties and negative plays. A screen pass to AJ Dixon picked up 20 yards for the Falcons, setting up an around 40-yard field goal for the win. Placekicker Graham Wolfe's kick came up just short, and McAdory proceeded to run out the clock as they escaped from 15th street with a win.

McAdory looks to firmly put themselves in the driver's seat for the region title next week in a big-time matchup against Hueytown, which defeated Northridge Friday night.

Central will look to bounce back against Brookwood next Friday.

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