By Will Heath, For the Tribune
LEEDS — With Friday night’s game against Pelham on the line, it was hardly a surprise to see the ball in the hands of senior quarterback Conner Nelson.
Where it went next was surprising.
Tied at 28 with 22 seconds remaining and the ball at the Pelham 14, Nelson lined up at tailback, then caught a — backwards — toss from fellow quarterback Sam Lollar, a junior. Nelson then squared up and threw the ball back to Lollar, on a screen pass.
The junior made the catch, then strolled into the end zone for the game-winning touchdown.
“I have complete confidence in Sam,” Nelson said. “I knew he was going to catch that one right there, and I knew he was going to take it to the crib.”
For Lollar, the moment was fraught.
“At first, I can’t lie, I thought I was going to drop it,” Lollar said. “I got a little scared, because it’s the last play. Then I caught it, and as I turned around, I almost tripped.
“After that, I saw my linemen blocking great, and it was just clear as day into the end zone.”
The 35-28 win allows the 8th-ranked Green Wave to finish the regular season 8-2. They will face Boaz Nov. 8 in the first round of the AHSAA 5A playoffs.
It’s the fifth season in a row Leeds has hosted a first-round playoff game.
“Happy to be 8-2,” Leeds head coach Jerry Hood said. “That’s a big deal for this young of a team.
Leeds vs Pelham. Credit: Ron Burkett
“We’re dang proud to coach these kids. They’re great kids.”
Hood’s squad got 216 total yards from Nelson. The senior ran for 113 yards and two touchdowns, threw for 95 yards and the game-winning TD and caught an 8-yard pass from Lollar. Fellow senior back ZJ Dale ran for 105 yards and two scores of his own.
Leeds vs Pelham. Credit: Ron Burkett
It all mattered, because of Pelham’s offense. Quarterback Dylan Smith threw for 183 yards and two first-half touchdowns. The Panthers (1-8) also got 103 yards from tailback Kalib Parker, most of those in the second half.
“We had the momentum offensively,” Pelham head coach Mike Vickery said. “Man, our kids are battling, trying.”
Parker scored a 15-yard TD in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 28.
With 6:08 to play, Leeds’ offense took the field at its own 20. They wouldn’t give the ball back until the clock was nearly dry.
Leeds vs Pelham. Credit: Ron Burkett
“Honestly, that ain’t nothing for us,” Nelson said. “Really it was just another drive for us.”
Nelson converted a key third down at the Pelham 43 on a handoff from Lollar, setting up the final sequence.
“What a great catch and play, big touchdown for that kid (Lollar),” Hood said. “I love that kid. He’s what Leeds football is all about. A kid that sticks with it, does what he’s supposed to do every day to make us better.
“When he got his opportunity, he scored.”
The Green Wave can now prepare for the playoffs to face Boaz.
“I’m super ready,” Nelson said. “We’ve got two weeks, and we’re going to be good. Let’s go.”
Leeds vs Pelham. Credit: Ron Burkett
Leeds vs Pelham. Credit: Ron Burkett
Leeds vs Pelham. Credit: Ron Burkett
Leeds vs Pelham. Credit: Ron Burkett
Leeds vs Pelham. Credit: Ron Burkett
Leeds vs Pelham. Credit: Ron Burkett
Leeds vs Pelham. Credit: Ron Burkett
Leeds vs Pelham. Credit: Ron Burkett
Leeds vs Pelham. Credit: Ron Burkett
Leeds vs Pelham. Credit: Ron Burkett
