Lauren Estes

Hartselle Enquirer

The Blue Devils opened with a fighting start, but were quickly overtaken by a powerful Tanner offense, losing their last home battle 42-16.

FHS had the ball to start the game, but were unable to convert after six plays and were forced to punt. Tanner returned the ball to the 43-yard line and on their opening play of their first offensive drive, Chadarius Townsend scored on a 57-yard run. David Pizano added the first extra point and would remain perfect on the night.

Just four minutes later with 2:07 to play in the opening quarter, Tanner moved the ball 36 yards to make their way back into the end-zone. Townsend found Oman Smothers on a 29-yard pass play. Pizano was there to add the extra point and the Rattlers led 14-0.

A three-and-out by the Blue Devils put the ball back in Tanner’s hands and set up a short field to work with for their offensive drive. Quarterback Townsend called his own number and ran the ball 20 yards into the end-zone for their third touchdown of the night. Pizano remained true on his extra point attempts and Tanner led 21-0 with 10:54 to play in the second quarter.

A quick turnover on downs by the guys in Blue set up the next Rattler score. Tanner moved the ball 27 yards on two plays to score their fourth touchdown behind the jersey of Jaquavious Cosby with 8:15 on the score clock. Pizano connected the PAT and Tanner would continue to push their lead 28-0.

FHS put up a strong defense front to force a Tanner punt, but it worked out negatively for the Blue Devil offense. FHS started close to their own end-zone and fumbled on their opening play of the drive. Tanner recovered the ball in the end-zone for a touchdown by Smothers with 41 seconds to play before the half. Pizano was successful on the extra point and Tanner led at the half 35-0.

The Rattlers took the ball to start the third quarter. On a 2:18, four-play drive, Tanner moved the ball 51-yards for their next touchdown. Jaquavious Cosby moved the ball 11 yards to grab their next score. Pizano was there to add another extra point.

The game was not over yet as Falkville’s momentum quickly changed for the positive as they entered the fourth quarter. A methodical 80-yard, 10-play drive was the first of it’s kind for FHS on the night. At the 7:39 mark of the fourth quarter, Jacob Holladay scored on a four-yard carry. Caleb Vinson was successful on his two-point conversion attempt and Falkville was on the board 42-8.

The Rattlers fumbled on their next offensive drive for which Falkville recovered on the 49-yard line.

The Blue Devils then moved the ball 51 yards on five plays to score on a 20-yard run by Fred Walls. Vinson snuck into the end-zone again on the two-point conversion attempt. Tanner went on to win 42-16.

Vinson finished the night with 33 rushes for 135 yards. Vinson and Jacob Holladay had 4.5 tackles a piece.

Head Coach Joel Schrenk said this season that have made progress in areas they have been constantly working on.

“Tanner is really, really good and our plan was to eat clock and limit their possessions, which we did to some extent,” Schrenk said. “We just can’t match up with them, but I was proud of our effort and determination. We are making strides in the right direction.”

Falkville will play at Vinemont on Friday.