Luverne pulls away in the second half to shut out G.W. Long, 29–0
By Jeff Devine, Editor-in-Chief, Dale County Chronicle
Top-ranked and undefeated Luverne High School’s Tigers leaned on a pair of momentum-shifting plays to break open a tight game and defeat G.W. Long 29–0 in Skipperville on Friday night, ending the Rebels’ playoff run in the second round of the AHSAA postseason.
G.W. Long, in its first season under head coach Clay Massey, closed the year at 7–5—an impressive turnaround from last season’s 3–8 record. The undefeated Tigers, now 12–0, entered the showdown averaging nearly 57 points per game, the second-highest mark statewide across all 7 classes Although they were shut out, the Rebels’ defense rose to the challenge, limiting Luverne to just three offensive touchdowns and handing the Tigers their lowest scoring game of the season.
Long trailed only 8–0 at the half, but Luverne seized control immediately after the break. Cain Smith electrified the Tigers’ sideline with a 70-yard kickoff return to open the third quarter, stretching the lead and shifting momentum firmly in Luverne’s favor. Later in the period, Elliott Harris broke loose for an impressive 63-yard touchdown run, pushing the score margin to 23–0. Smith later connected with Daevon Smith for a 21-yard scoring pass in the fourth to cap the night.
Offensively, the Rebels struggled to break through against a Luverne defense that posted its sixth shutout of the season. G.W. Long managed just 159 total yards—95 on the ground and 64 through the air.
Blayne Wood paced the Rebels with 85 rushing yards on 12 carries, highlighted by a 47-yard burst. Preston Williams was limited to 13 yards on six attempts. Wood also completed 5 of 18 passes for 53 yards, spreading completions to five receivers. Williams led the group with two catches for 29 yards.
Wood turned in a standout performance defensively with 11 total tackles, including five solo stops. Marvin McLeod and Jacob Pruitt each added nine tackles, with McLeod contributing two tackles for loss and a sack.
Unfortunately, Luverne’s win ends G.W. Long’s state playoff run, though the Rebels had a strong and excellent season that should make them proud. Luverne’s Tigers will face off against Lanett High School’s Panthers for Round 3 of the AHSAA playoffs next Friday.
The Dale County Chronicle would like to congratulate G.W. Long’s Rebels on an excellent season. The full team is pictured below, including cheer squad members and the coaching staff.
