Tiger JV pulls off upset over Chapel Hill, 22-19
Schedule change pits Troup against 3A opponent

Photo courtesy Shannon Capps Ryan Nichols follows a teammate as he looks for yardage. Nichols had two interceptions in the Tigers' win over Chapel Hill last Thursday in Troup.

A schedule change worked in Troup's favor Thursday, when the junior varsity Tigers scored a win over the Chapel Hill Bulldogs, 22-19.

Chapel Hill was a last-minute substitute for district foe Waskom, and the Tigers performed well against the 3A Bulldogs.

Troup scored first on a 70- yard interception return by Ryan Nichols. Sir'derek Cassells added the two-point conversion for the early 8-0 lead.

Chapel Hill got on the scoreboard late in the first, but Dalvin Franklin knocked the two-point pass attempt away to leave the game 8-6 Troup's favor.

The Tigers scored again right before the half on a run by Ke'Andre Davis, with the two-point conversion by Jacob Moody. Another interception by Nichols set up the TD, which gave Troup a 16-6 lead at the half.

The Bulldogs came out strong in the second and scored 13 unanswered points before the Tigers got into the end zone again with just 35 seconds left in the game. Cassells recovered a Chapel Hill fumble, and quarterback Nichols connected with Jamaal Martin for a 70-yard touchdown to ensure the win.

Austin Duren prevented a potential game-winning score, making one of his two interceptions with just 13 seconds left in the game and the Bulldogs on the Troup three-yard line.

The win over Chapel Hill came after the Tigers tied with Arp last week. Troup coaching staf f said the team is still plagued by turnovers, which halted some promising drives, but praised the Tiger defense for stepping up and making big plays when needed.

The JV hosts West Rusk tonight at 7:30, following the junior high games at 5 p.m.