By Jeff Devine
ARITON–The Ariton High School Purple Cats took on the Samson Tigers in a region game Friday night, and Ariton dominated. The Purple Cats, who were also celebrating homecoming, won 49-14.
Ariton jumped out to a commanding 22–0 lead in the first quarter and extended it to 49–7 by halftime, effectively sealing the game before the break. Samson managed another touchdown in the third quarter, but they were unable to break through and catch up with Ariton.
Ariton racked up 284 total yards of offense, including 186 rushing yards and 98 passing yards.
Addison Senn led the air attack, completing 9 of 12 passes for 92 yards and a touchdown, while Grant Davis added 6 yards on two attempts.
On the ground, Senn also rushed for 84 yards and a touchdown on five carries. Jacarrie Hammock added 57 yards and two scores, while Wells Ganey contributed 22 yards and another touchdown.
Hayes Hammock was Ariton’s top receiver with five catches for 62 yards. Connor Davidson hauled in two passes for 14 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, Tate Kilcrease and Gabe Jones each tallied nine tackles, with Kilcrease recording two tackles for loss. Parker Wimberly was a standout with two interceptions — one returned 35 yards for a touchdown and another returned 15 yards for a touchdown — and he also recorded a safety. Wells Ganey and Jeremiah Davis added seven tackles each.
Davidson converted five out of seven extra-point attempts, while Ganey and Titus Senn added 22 and 10 yards, respectively, on kick returns.
The win improves Ariton’s region record and keeps them in strong playoff contention as they head into the final stretch of the season.
