Road Losses Dim Pirates and Tigers Playoff Hopes

By Clint Cox

Two of Jackson County’s varsity football squads hit the road last week and fell in games that pretty well took both out of the post season playoff picture. The Sneads Pirates traveled to South Walton and saw the Seahawks soar in a 35-0 win. The two squads had entered the contest with one district loss each and knew the winner would come out sitting in the catbird seat for a playoff berth as the district runner up. South Walton is now in the catbird seat as they took advantage of a Pirate fumble on the opening kickoff to jump out to an early 7-0 lead. Two more scores were added later in the first half as the Seahawks held a 21-0 halftime lead. The second half was more of the same as South Walton posted two more scores while continuing to hold the Pirates scoreless.

Mark Lawson led the way for Sneads with 119 yards of rushing on 20 carries. Jeff Davis added 79 yards on the ground. Terrence Green led the Pirate defense with 9 tackles while Jamar White and Trent McDaniel each recorded 8 tackles. With the loss Sneads fell to 4-3 overall and 4-2 in district play. Their road troubles continue as the Pirates are 0-3 this season and this Friday they have their longest road trip of the year when they travel to Bratt (Northern Escambia County) to take on the Northview Chiefs.

The Graceville Tigers also had a long road trip as they traveled to Monticello and fell 42-6 to Jefferson County. If Graceville could have beaten Jefferson County they would have controlled their own destiny for a playoff spot and would have had Rocky Bayou and Cottondale left to play in district action. At the half it appeared that Graceville might just be able to set up just such a scenario as the scored was tied at 6-6. Both squads had scored in the first quarter and both squads were unable to convert their extra points. After a scoreless second quarter the teams were tied up going to the locker rooms for halftime. The second half however as a different matter as Jefferson County came out and racked up 36 points to break the game open. With the loss Graceville fell to 1-6 on the season and 0-2 in district play. This Friday night Graceville will host Rocky Bayou (0-7) for homecoming.