QUITMAN —
Down three points with less than 30 seconds remaining, it looked like The Fitzgerald Purple Hurricanes were going to take another decisive game in Region 1-AA from the Brooks County Trojans, until they punted to Deric Herring. Herring returned the punt 70 yards with 18 seconds remaining and the Trojans outlasted Fitzgerald 27-24.
Fitzgerald dominated the time of possession and the total yards in the second half, holding the Trojans to 22 total yards, but somehow, Brooks County was able to pull out the win.
“We knew this would be a tough game,” said Maurice Freeman, Brooks County head coach. “The guys believed in it, and we said that as long as there is a tick on the clock just fight and make something happen.”
The Trojans pulled out one of the wildest and most unlikely wins of the seasons after a second half in which The Purple Hurricanes were able to drive consistently down the field and limiting Brooks County to only seven plays and one first down in the half.
“They changed up some stunts and some blitzes on us and we made some mistakes and they got us off balance there,” said Freeman. “We knew if we kept it close there was a strong possibility we’d come out on top.”
Fitzgerald had picked off Trojans quarterback Malcom Parrish with 2:14 remaining in the game and the score 24-21. After running 3 straight plays and two timeouts from Brooks County, the Trojans were able to force the punt that resulted in the game winning return.
Brooks County scored all 14 of their second half points on returns by Herring. The first coming on a 90 yard kick-off return for a touchdown after Fitzgerald had scored a touchdown to put them up 24-14 with 4:22 remaining in the third quarter.
Despite the offense’s poor performance in the second half, they actually were extremely explosive in the first half. The Trojans had seven plays that went for over 20 yards; six of them passes from Parrish. Parrish had 215 yards passing and a touchdown through the in the first half along with a touchdown on a quarterback dive to put the Trojans up 14-7 early in the game.
After managing only 56 yards of offense last season against the Purple Hurricanes, Brooks County gained 231 total yards, 225 through the air.
A sloppy game from both teams kept the game from being an even more high-scoring affair. The teams combined for five turnovers and 24 penalties on the night, four turnovers and nine flags on the Trojans. Parrish tossed three interceptions and loss a fumble.
“Well somebody’s got a lotta punishment next week,” said Freeman. “We can make up for that, they’ve gotta be conscience of it. I think we’ll clean all that up.”
Fitzgerald missed on a couple opportunities earlier in the game to put away the Trojans. They were stopped twice times on fourth down in the game, and they were held to a field goal after being stopped on a third-and-three from the Brooks County six yard line.
The win brought Brooks County to 7-0, 3-0 in the 1-AA region with a clear path to the championship. The loss dropped Fitzgerald to 5-2 (2-1).
Local Sports
Related Photos
-
A slew of Trojan defenders stuff Fitzgerald runningback, Zeke Coley (17), on a run up the middle. Mac Ingram
-
Harold Summers (13) of Fitzgerald defends a pass intended for wide receiver, Dejan Miley (9), to end a Trojan drive. Mac Ingram
Discussion
Herring’s late punt return lifts Trojans to 27-24 win
- Local Sports
-
-
Georgia Sparks win championship in Orlando
The Georgia Sparks Basketball Teams traveled to Orlando, Florida to compete in Spring Fling 2 Super Region Tournament which took place at Disney Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando. This was a busy weekend for the Sparks which brought three teams and over 30 parents.
-
Manu Ginobili sparks Spurs to Game 5 win
Manu Ginobili ran onto the floor as fans stood and screamed.
He went to the bench, and they chanted his name.
The sights and sounds of so many San Antonio spring nights were back Sunday night — and the real party might be just a few days away.
Ginobili broke out of a slump in a big way with 24 points and 10 assists in his first start of the season, and the Spurs beat the Miami Heat 114-104 to take a 3-2 lead in the NBA Finals. -
2013 South Georgia Diamond Brawl
The Lowndes Vikings baseball team is set to host the 16th Annual South Georgia Diamond Brawl, featuring 19 teams playing 28 games across four fields.
-
Jaguars Caravan 2013
The Jackonsivlle Jaguars’ caravan made a stop at the Valdosta Mall Saturday for their second visit in as many years.
-
Stormy weather halts play during US Open 1st round
Phil Mickelson rolled a birdie attempt 8 feet past the hole at No. 11. Steve Stricker did the same at No. 12. Bogey. Bogey.
And that wasn’t even the stormy part. -
Blackhawks beat Bruins 4-3 in 3OT Cup opener
The Chicago Blackhawks know all about Andrew Shaw’s reputation around the league. They also know the pesky little forward is so much more than just another irritant for opposing players.
-
Valdosta’s Eldridge inducted to Georgia Golf Hall of Fame
Frank Eldridge has been playing golf so long that he has spent nearly his whole life with a club in his hand.
-
“Must Win” continues to captivate readers
Drew Jubera has been pleased with the reaction to his book “Must Win.”
-
Spurs rout Heat, grab 2-1 series lead
Gary Neal may have dreamed it, though it was nothing Danny Green ever could have imagined.
Not back when he was LeBron James' teammate in Cleveland, scoring fewer points in the 2009-10 season than James scored in some games. -
Wildcats to compete at Byrnes passing tourney
The Valdosta Wildcats aren’t approaching the summer with a laid back attitude. America’s winningest high school football program has been hard at work the past few weeks.
- More Local Sports Headlines
-
