Bayside 24, Hillcrest-Evergreen 21 (2 OT)

Admirals improve to 2-0 in region, 4-0 overall

Tony Whitehead, GCM Sports
Posted 9/14/20

DAPHNE, Ala. – With the score tied 14-14, an untimely penalty put the Admirals out of field-goal range as time in regulation expired at Freedom Field. Bayside head coach Phil Lazenby said his …

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Bayside 24, Hillcrest-Evergreen 21 (2 OT)

Admirals improve to 2-0 in region, 4-0 overall

Posted

DAPHNE, Ala. – With the score tied 14-14, an untimely penalty put the Admirals out of field-goal range as time in regulation expired at Freedom Field. Bayside head coach Phil Lazenby said his team nevertheless showed character and did not quit after Hillcrest-Evergreen rallied late to force overtime.

He praised his defense, offense and special teams for securing a big Region 1 victory to remain undefeated. He also praised the Jaguar players.

 “The second half, especially. I mean they are hard to contain. Have a great quarterback, great receivers, great running back, and a huge offensive line,” he said. “Our guys didn’t quit when things started going bad, though. And a lot of character shown by the kids. I am really proud of them and proud of the defense even though they gave up 21 points, one (TD) in overtime. That’s really pretty good considering the offensive talent they have.”

Lazenby also said HEHS would likely go deep into the playoffs.

“Coach Clinton Smith is a great coach and they have a great offensive line and they will show up in the playoffs. They will be a force to be reckoned with.”

After an early defensive battle, the Bayside offense capped a second-quarter drive with a 4-yard touchdown run by Charles St. Pierre and BA led 7-0 at the half. The first half shutout was helped by a big interception by linebacker Davis Cain’s interception at the Admirals’ seven-yard line.

Early in the fourth quarter Joey Loper’s 19-yard touchdown run and Joey Jones’ second extra point put the Admirals up 14-0. But the Jaguars got back into the game with two TD’s and a try-for-two to tie the score 14-14 with 52 seconds left in regulation.

Bayside won the overtime toss and elected to defend on the first possession of the tie-breaker series. The Jaguars had three penalties, but managed to score on a third-and-23 play and led 21-14 with the point-after kick.

The Admirals then faced a fourth and goal at the 7-yard line when quarterback Zach Kittrell scrambled and scored to tie the game and Jones’ PAT made it 21-21.

Bayside then had the first possession in the second OT. On fourth and goal at the 10, Jones hit a 27-yard field goal to put Bayside up 24-21.

Hillcrest-Evergreen also faced a fourth and long situation, elected to try the field goal to tie, but missed.

 Lazenby said the Admirals face another tough opponent next on the road at T.R. Miller this week.   “They are always tough. So, we have our work cut out for us there. It does not get any easier,” he added. “But we will get to work and get ready. I know our guys are going to battle all the way.”