The UTV 44 High School Game of the Week presented by Whataburger saw the Battle of Prichard between the Blount Leopards and the Vigor Wolves.
Blount was looking to end the 13 game losing streak to the Wolves. The Wolves got the ball to start the game out. Looking to get on top first Blount started their first offensive series on their own 44 yard line after stopping Vigor. On the second play
of the series Blount quarterback Quinterris Toppings threw his first interception of the night, second of the year, and Vigor quickly got the ball back.
Neither offense was able to put anything together in the first quarter, though on the last play of the quarter, Blount returned the
favor after Lebarron Rodgers picked off Vigor quarterback Devin Adams. The quarter ended with no score but both teams
each having a turnover.
Vigor’s next possession looked as if it was going to stall but Vigor punter Shaquil Ward found Brandon Cameron down field after lining up for a punt. Just few plays later DeSherrius Flowers found the end zone after a 15 yard run. The Wolves were on the board with a 7-0 lead with less than seven minutes in the first half.
Once again, Blount could not get anything offensively going and on their next possession they had to punt, though the put netted -14 yards and put Vigor with ball on the Blount 20 yard line. With the Leopard defense pinned back, they stepped up and held Vigor after stopping a 4th down conversion. Blount’s very next offensive play, backup quarterback Mikiel Clemons was intercepted by Vigor’s DeShaun Davis. Six plays later Adams found Shaquil Ward for a 3 yard touchdown pass. Vigor was now up 14-0 over Blount going into halftime.
Blount finally found some offense on their first series out of halftime. Running back Delorean Bethay helped the offensive after a 48 yard run to get Blount into scoring position. Bethay finally found the end zone for the Leopards but was called back due to an offensive penalty. Jarod Moore finally found the end zone on a 2 yard run to get the Leopards down by one score, 14-7 with just under 10 minutes in the 3rd quarter.
Vigor’s next possession ended in another turnover. Devin Adams threw his second interception of the night to Charles Phalo of Blount. Phalo had returned the interception 31 yards for a touchdown but due to a penalty on the return, the Leopards had to start on the Wolves 14 yard line. Five plays later Bethay found the end zone on a four yard run. The point after was not good so Blount was now down 14-13. Bethay ended the night with 11 carries for 71 yards and the one touchdown.
The start of the 4th quarter did not go well for the Leopards as Bethay fumbled the ball on the Vigor 35 yard line. Vigor could not capitalize on the turnover and ended up punting the ball away after only four plays.
Though their next series, the Wolves were putting together another long drive. The Leopards thought they had once again stopped them, but on 4th down and in punt formation, Shaquil Ward once again found Brandon Cameron for a 21 yard reception to keep the drive alive. A few plays later Flowers found the end zone for the second time after a 9 yard run. Flowers ended the night with 20
carries for 75 yards and two TD’s. With just under three minutes left in the game Vigor was not up 21-13 over the Leopards.
Toppings was looking to mount a comeback for the Leopards but was stopped with less than 15 seconds left. Vigor’s Dwight Williams picked off Toppings to help clinch the victory for the Wolves.
Blount (4-1; 3-0) now has to get ready for more region play as they face the other region leader McGill-Toolen.
Vigor (4-1; 3-0) now makes the streak 14 games in a row; they now must get ready to travel to Gulf Shores.
The UTV44 High School Game of the Week now enters its “Flex” part of the schedule. Check back to see what game will be broadcasted. Join us on Friday at 7pm for the UTV44 High School Game of the Week.
