Red zone woes kept Collins (2-7, 1-3) out of the end zone, while the Tigers defense kept them in it on a sloppy, wet, and rainy night. As good as the defense held, it was not enough as Perry Central (4-5, 2-1) defeated Collins 12-2.
"We get inside the red zone and we get too relaxed. We don't feel like we can win the blocks anymore. That's our biggest problem. That's been the biggest problem all year is we don't know how to finish. Our coaches keep trying to tell them every day that they have to finish when they get inside the red zone," said Collins head coach Eric Booth.
The Tigers forced a turnover on downs on Perry Central's first possession, however, they turned the ball over themselves on their ensuing offensive possession. On Perry Central's second possession running back, Tyrion Sumrall bounced his way to the outside and ran for a 67-yard touchdown score. The Bulldogs attempted a two-point conversion but were unsuccessful.
The two teams traded punts until Dada Magee came up with a Perry Central fumble. The Tigers could not make anything of the turnover and punted. With 3:05 remaining, Perry Central intercepted an errant Collins pass deep in their territory. The Bulldogs managed to get down inside the Collins five but were stuffed and denied a touchdown as the halftime bell rang.
Jaden Scott intercepts an errant pass.Â
Collins first and only score of the game came on a botched snap on a punt. Before Collins defenders could land on the ball, the Perry Central punter kicked it out of the back of the endzone.
The Tigers next four drives resulted in turnovers on downs and an interception. All four drives were in Perry Central territory.
The final stake in the heart came with 3:47 to play in the game as Sumrall punched the ball in on a two-yard touchdown. Collins held on the two-point conversion, but the touchdown gave the Bulldogs a 12-2 lead and ultimately the win.
Coach Booth was proud of his defense despite the loss.
"The defense has been playing hard all season long. I have got to give credit to my defense, not just tonight, but all year. They helped my offense out, but when we get in the red zone offense just needs to score. That's the biggest problem in the past couple of weeks. But the defense kept us in this one."
Momentum Change
With 11 minutes left in the game, Collins hit a touchdown pass to tie the game, however, an ineligible man downfield penalty was called that nullified the score. Perry Central intercepted the next pass.
Player of the Game
Tyrion Sumrall scored both touchdowns (67 yards, two yards) for the Bulldogs and gave them just enough on offense to win.
Quote of the Night
"They wanted it more than y'all did. Same field. everything. We win next week, we will be either the three or four seed. We will be on the road. We tried to tell y'all, now we are going to have to travel." - Eric Booth, Collins head coach.
