By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
ARITON, Ala. — The Ariton Purple Cats opened the 2026 football season Friday night against Blountstown, with the visiting Tigers earning a 49-14 victory at Robert F. Zumstein Stadium.
The game marked the first meeting between Ariton and Blountstown on the football field. Ariton entered the season coming off a 9-2 campaign in 2025 and a second-round playoff appearance.
While the Purple Cats came up short in the season opener, Ariton’s defensive effort produced several notable individual performances.
Tate Kilcrease led the team with 15 tackles.
Grant Davis recorded eight tackles and one tackle for loss, while Jeremiah Davis finished with seven tackles and three tackles for loss.
Barrett Silavent added six tackles and one tackle for loss, and Asa Thompson recorded six tackles and two tackles for loss.
Ariton also received contributions on special teams.
Titus Senn returned two kicks for 17 yards, while R.J. Shipman had two returns for 15 yards.
Connor Davidson handled the kicking duties for the Purple Cats, converting both of his extra-point attempts for two points.
The 49-14 final score leaves the Tigers at 1-0 following the victory and Ariton at 0-1.
Ariton will now turn its attention to its next game, a road matchup against Wicksburg on Aug. 28. The Purple Cats’ 2026 schedule also includes region games against Zion Chapel, Houston County, G.W. Long, Cottonwood, Goshen, Highland Home, and Geneva County.
Here are some photos from last night’s game (Ariton High)
