By Joshua Huff, sports editor
HATTIESBURG, Miss. — Despite the Alabama all-stars nursing a two-score lead as the clock ticked over into the fourth quarter of the 33rd Annual Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Football Classic on Saturday, the boys from the Yellowhammer State fell to the Mississippi all-stars, 17-16, in overtime.
Alabama held a 10-0 lead heading into the final quarter, but Mississippi rallied to knot the game at 10-all in the waning moments of the game after a 11-play, 70-yard drive was capped by a 14-yard touchdown catch from Trip Wilson.
This follows an almost game-defining interception by Pinson Valley’s Deshazio Williams in the opening moments of the fourth quarter that stifled a Mississippi scoring opportunity.
Following Mississippi’s game-tying touchdown, Alabama marched down the field and set up Thompson’s Evan McGuire for the game-winning 25-yard field goal attempt with 42 seconds left in the game. Leading up to the attempt, Alabama had a first and goal from the Mississippi 8-yard line, but was unable to convert with the game on the line.
McGuire’s field goal was blocked, which sent the game into overtime.
In the extra period, Mississippi opened with a 6-yard touchdown pass from Will Rogers to Janari Dean. Alabama promptly responded with a 9-yard touchdown pass from Muscle Shoals’ Logan Smothers to Thompson’s Mike Pettway; however, McGuire’s extra point was blocked, which completed the Mississippi rally.
The Mississippi all-stars have now won three consecutive over its rival from the east.
The Trussville Tribune coverage area player performances (based on recorded stats):
DL Eric Taylor (Hewitt-Trussville) – No recorded stats
DB Deshazio Williams (Pinson Valley) – 1 total tackle; 1 interception
DL DeCarius Hawthorne (Center Point) – 3 total tackles, 1 solo tackle; 0.5 sacks
OL Logan Self (Hewitt-Trussville) – Blocked for an Alabama rushing attack that netted 79 yards and one touchdown
TE/WR Keyonteze Johnson (Pinson Valley) – 3 receptions for 40 yards (long of 22 yards)