By Jeff Devine
MIDLAND CITY – The Dale County Warriors saw their season come to a close Friday night, falling just short to Mobile Christian, 15–13, in the opening round of the Class 4A state playoffs.
Despite a late-game surge that nearly erased a 15-point deficit, the Warriors ultimately ran out of time against the Leopards whose two successful two-point conversions proved to be the difference.
The Leopards struck first when running back Jason Todd broke free for a 73-yard touchdown run midway through the first quarter. Carter Lewis added the extra point for a 7–0 lead.
Late in the second quarter, quarterback Israel Benard connected with Sema’j Law for a 44-yard touchdown. Following a penalty on the extra-point attempt, the Leopards opted for a two-point conversion and succeeded, stretching their lead to 15–0 heading into halftime.
For much of the night, Dale County’s offense struggled to find rhythm but their momentum shifted with 10:31 left in the game when Stacey Atkins intercepted a pass near midfield and returned it to the Mobile Christian 26-yard line.
From there, the Warriors kicked into high gear. Junior Smith led a quick drive highlighted by strong runs from Smith and Jaylen Griffin. Cody Jaggar made a sliding grab for a touchdown. Kicker Kristian Oliver’s extra point cut the deficit to 15–7 with 7:29 to play.
After the Warrior defense forced a punt, Dale County regained possession with just over five minutes remaining in the game. A pair of completions from Smith to Beasley moved the ball deep into Leopard territory. With 1:56 left, Smith connected with Atkins for a touchdown, pulling the Warriors within two points of tying the game.
Smith’s two-point pass attempt to receiver Juelz Burse, however, fell incomplete, leaving the score at 15–13. Mobile Christian then ran out the clock, thanks in part to a crucial 14-yard run by Todd.
Dale County also finished its season at 7–3, capturing its second straight region championship. Meanwhile, Mobile Christian (7–3) advances to the second round, where it will face Bullock County, which claimed its playoff win with a 21–7 victory over Oak Grove.
