By Jeff Devine, The Chronicle
NEWTON, Ala.—Ariton found itself without several starters on the road Friday night, but the Purple Cats got big contributions from players stepping into expanded roles and came away with a 26-12 victory over the Wicksburg Panthers.
The Purple Cats kept Wicksburg off the scoreboard during the opening quarter before finding their offensive rhythm in the second quarter. Ariton then added two more touchdowns in the third quarter to build a lead the Panthers could not overcome.
After a scoreless opening quarter, Ariton broke through with 7:39 remaining in the second quarter to take a 7-0 lead.
Wicksburg answered with 4:31 remaining in the first half when John Carter scored on a 5-yard touchdown run. The Panthers were unable to convert the extra point, leaving Ariton with a 7-6 advantage.
Ariton responded before halftime, scoring with just four seconds remaining in the second quarter. The Purple Cats were unable to convert the extra point, but the late touchdown gave Ariton a 13-6 lead at the break.
The Purple Cats came out of halftime and quickly extended their advantage.
With 10:03 remaining in the third quarter, Ariton connected on a big play for a touchdown, pushing the lead to 20-6.
Wicksburg answered with a big play of its own. Carter connected with Payten Mirabal for a 40-yard touchdown with 4:25 remaining in the third quarter. The Panthers again missed the extra point, cutting Ariton’s lead to 20-12.
Ariton answered once again.
With 3:36 remaining in the third quarter, the Purple Cats scored another touchdown to make it 26-12. The extra point was unsuccessful, but the touchdown gave Ariton a two-score advantage.
Neither team found the end zone during the fourth quarter, and Ariton closed out the 26-12 victory.
The win was particularly significant considering the number of players Ariton had to rely on in expanded roles.
“We had several starters out for the game, but we had some guys really step up when we needed them,” Ariton head football coach Kilcrease said.
Grant Davis was one of those players, taking over at quarterback and turning in an impressive performance.
Davis completed 12 of 17 passes for 88 yards and a touchdown while adding 48 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown on 12 carries. His 136 total yards accounted for a significant portion of the Purple Cats’ offensive production.
“Grant Davis played quarterback for us last night and had a great game throwing for around 140 yds and a touchdown and also had a rushing touchdown,” Kilcrease said.
Ariton finished the game with 289 total yards, including 201 yards rushing and 88 yards through the air.
Jaccarie Hammock led the Purple Cats’ rushing attack with 15 carries for 140 yards and two touchdowns. Davis added his 48 rushing yards and a touchdown, while R.J. Shipman contributed 18 yards on six carries.
Hammock and Davis accounted for all three of Ariton’s rushing touchdowns.
Through the air, Titus Senn led the Purple Cats with five receptions for 39 yards. Connor Davidson caught four passes for 39 yards and a touchdown, while Asa Thompson recorded two receptions for seven yards.
Ariton’s defense also delivered several important plays, including two interceptions.
Mitchell Hudson finished with five tackles and intercepted a Wicksburg pass late in the game. Davidson also recorded an interception.
“Mitchell Hudson was another guy that stepped in and made some big plays including an interception late in the game,” Kilcrease said.
Bryson Rhett, Jeremiah Davis, Tate Kilcrease and Titus Senn each recorded seven tackles to lead Ariton defensively. Rhett and Jeremiah Davis also recorded tackles for loss.
Ryan Williams added six tackles.
The Purple Cats also received important contributions from players filling in along the offensive line.
“Preston Fralish stepped in on the offensive line and had a good game on the offensive line for us,” Kilcrease said.
Ariton’s ability to get contributions from players who were asked to take on larger roles proved to be one of the defining stories of the night.
The Purple Cats overcame the absence of several starters, produced nearly 300 yards of offense and made enough big plays on both sides of the ball to keep Wicksburg from completing a comeback.
“Overall, I’m very proud of how our guys played last night,” Kilcrease said.
With the 26-12 win, Ariton moves to 1-1 on the young season and will look to carry that momentum into its next game against Zion Chapel on Friday, Sept. 4. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
For Ariton, Friday night’s victory was more than a win in the standings. It was an early test of the team’s depth, and the Purple Cats showed they have players ready to answer when their opportunity comes.
Ariton will be on the road again next Friday as they face Zion Chapel while the Wicksburg Panthers will host Bullock County in region play. Kickoff for both games will be September 4, at 7:00 pm. Stay tuned to The Chronicle for all your sports news and updates.
