By Jeff Devine, The Chronicle
The Daleville High School Warhawks held off a late push from Houston County on Friday night, earning a 14-7 victory behind two defensive touchdowns.
Daleville got on the scoreboard in the first quarter, taking a 7-0 lead and carrying that advantage into halftime.
The Warhawks added another touchdown in the third quarter, extending their lead to 14-0 heading into the final period.
Daleville’s defense provided both touchdowns in the victory.
Lazarus Mendez recovered a Houston County fumble and returned it for a touchdown, giving the Warhawks an early scoring opportunity and helping set the tone for the night.
Zachariah Ramsey also found the end zone defensively, intercepting a Houston County pass and returning it for a touchdown.
The Warhawks carried a 14-0 advantage into the fourth quarter, but Houston County refused to go quietly.
With just 30 seconds remaining in the game, Houston County scored its lone touchdown of the night, cutting Daleville’s lead to 14-7.
The Warhawks, however, held on during the final seconds to secure the seven-point victory.
Daleville’s ability to capitalize on turnovers proved decisive, as Mendez’s fumble recovery touchdown and Ramsey’s interception return touchdown accounted for all 14 of the Warhawks’ points.
With the 14-7 win, Daleville adds a much-needed boost of positive energy as they hope to carry that momentum into next week’s game in which they host Pike County in Daleville.
