Tigers slip by Bullard, 16-8

Photo/Charlotte Smith Ke'Andre Davis slips by Bullard defenders to score a two-point conversion for Troup's JV last Thursday. The Tigers defeated the Panthers 16-8, with Davis handling both two-point attempts.

Despite several turnovers, the Tiger JV squad recorded a come-from-behind win over the Bullard Panthers last Thursday. The 16-8 home victory gives Troup a 2-1 record heading into next week's district opener against Arp.

The Panthers struck first, starting from their own 25 after a Tiger punt. Two big running plays got Bullard into the endzone. A twopoint conversion gave them an 8-0 lead at the 2:20 mark of the first quarter.

The Tigers got on the scoreboard with 5:26 left in the first half. Solid carries from Ryan Nichols and Casey Whitehurst set quarterback Tyler Davis up for a short yardage keeper.

Ke'Andre Davis' scamper around the left side tied the game at 8-8.

The Tigers missed a golden opportunity on their next possession. Bullard turned the ball over on downs, and Troup quickly marched down to the Panther four-yard line with runs by Nichols and Sir'derek Cassells.

Photo/Charlotte Smith Sir'derek Cassells follows a block by Ryan Nichols to pick up yardage for the Tigers in their 16-8 win over the Bullard JV last Thursday.

With four shots at the goal line in their hands, the Tigers fumbled and gave Bullard the ball back with 49 seconds left in the half. Time ran out before Bullard could capitalize on the error.

Troup committed another turnover to open the second half, mishandling the opening kickoff and giving Bullard the ball on the Tiger 37- yard line.

Troup's defense rose to the occasion, with a first-down stop by Patrick Alonzo and Davis pushing Bullard back three yards.

After a near fumble by the Panthers, Cordero Hudson penetrated deep into the backfield for a tackle on third and 13, forcing a Bullard punt.

After a bad snap and a short kick, the Tigers set up near midfield for what would be the game-winning TD drive.

Jacob Moody was the primary ball carrier for the Tigers, including converting a fourthand one to keep the drive alive.

He then followed with a sixyard TD run for a 14-8 Troup edge. Davis scored his second two-point conversion, giving Troup the lead, 16-8, with 1:35 left in the third.

A big hit by Mason Ballard on Bullard's next possession helped set up a fourth-and-18 punt, but the Tigers fumbled after taking over at midfield.

Bullard handed the ball right back giving the Tigers another opportunity in Panther territory with eight minutes left in the fourth.

The Tigers turned the ball over on downs after a very close fourth down run by Moody was ruled short.

Troup's defense again came through, with key plays by Ballard, Davis and Cassells sealing the victory.

Troup hosts Arp tonight at 7:30, with the junior high playing at 5 p.m. Although the Tiger coaching staff praised the offense's ability to move the ball, turnovers were a trouble spot despite the win.

Coaches also praised the defense's second-half performance and said improved fundamentals would be a key going into district.

	Score By Quarters
	1st	2nd 3rd		4th	Total
Troup	0	8	8	0	16
Bullard	8	0	0	0	8