By Shane Paschal, For the Tribune
Leeds and Center Point both entered their game at the latter’s field already knowing their postseason fates. Leeds was cemented in fourth place in 5A Region 6, while Center Point would miss the playoffs for the first time in seven seasons. Because of that, it was understandable that the teams—and even the fans—might have been a little less enthusiastic than usual. Still, Leeds would grind out a tougher-than-expected 21-7 victory.
Center Point received the opening kickoff and made one first down before Leeds’ Javone McCrayer intercepted a pass and returned it 25 yards to the Eagle 30. Taylon Gaiter then pounded the ball down to give the Greenwave first-and-goal at the seven. Gavin Howard ran it in from seven yards out, and with the extra point, Leeds led 7-0 with 5:27 left in the opening quarter.
Center Point started its next possession at the 30. Quarterback Daemon Canty sprinted off on a keeper for a 65-yard touchdown, and the extra point tied the game at 7-all with 3:46 remaining. Leeds began their next drive at their own 13. It culminated with a long Gaiter pass to Jordan Smith for a score as the quarter expired. The extra point gave Leeds a 14-7 lead heading into the second quarter.
Neither team could get anything going in the second quarter, and the half ended with the Greenwave still up 14-7.
The third quarter was more of the same, as neither team could crack the other’s end zone. Leeds started a drive at their own 20 with 2:51 left in the quarter. They ran for a first down to the 35, then another first down to the 46. Gaiter followed with a long run to the 29. That was how the quarter ended, with Leeds clinging to a slim 14-7 lead.
Gaiter opened the fourth quarter with a 16-yard run to the Eagle 13. A few plays later, Tyler Moultrie took it in from seven yards out, and with the extra point, Leeds led 21-7 with 10:24 left in the game.
Center Point got the ball back and made a quick first down, but was then sacked on successive plays for a total loss of 21 yards. The Eagles punted back to Leeds with 6:19 remaining. More Gaiter runs drained the clock, but Leeds eventually punted back to the Eagles at their four with 1:47 left. The Greenwave then intercepted a pass at the Eagle 30 and returned it to the 20 with 1:07 remaining. Leeds kneeled out the clock to secure the closer-than-expected 21-7 win.
“Good win,” said Leeds head coach Jerry Hood. “Defense was incredible tonight allowing only 69 total yards.
“Offense controlled the clock and had a total of 330 yards,” he said. “Proud of this group to win their way into the playoffs.”
Center Point’s Dre’mail King was optimistic despite the loss. “Very proud of how we played tonight and we must continue to build on all the positive things,” he said.
“We played a really good playoff team tonight. We must keep learning through experience.”
Leeds (6-3, 3-3) is finished with region play, securing fourth place, and will visit Pelham next week in a non-region finale. Center Point (1-6, 0-5) will close out region play next week with a trip to Springville.
