By Travis Chapman
It was Senior Night and Coach Tibbitt’s birthday at the end of Country Club Friday night as the Apaches took the field with all seniors serving as captains in a hard-fought matchup against Jonesboro-Hodge.
The Apaches opened strong, showing grit and creativity early — including a fake punt attempt that came up just short. The defense responded with energy, as Davis Powell, Channing Rainey, and Tanner Fox all delivered tackles for loss and sacks to push the Tigers backward and force a punt.
Quarterback Lucious-Louie Collins led the offense with poise, connecting with Carson Powell on a 48-yard strike to move deep into Tiger territory before a fumble ended the drive. The Apache defense stood tall again, capped by T-Bubba Edwards’ interception that had him running like cops were chasing him and it quickly flipped the momentum in the Apaches favor.
Collins quickly capitalized, firing a 40-yard touchdown pass to the shooting guard, Carson Powell, then sprinting into the end zone himself for the two-point conversion to make it 8–0 Apaches midway through the second quarter. Later, Collins struck again — this time hitting Golden-Gage White in stride for a 65-yard scud missile touchdown, extending the lead to 14–0 at halftime after Darron -The Dime-Hollingsworth’s interception closed the half.
The Tigers rallied after the break, scoring twice on quarterback runs, but the Apache defense — led by Dar-Dae-Davis Powell and Channing-The Rain Man-Rainey — continued to make crucial stops. Despite the effort, a series of controversial calls in the fourth quarter, one in particular that would’ve given the Apaches the ball on a turnover would’ve all but sealed the win for the young and ailing Apaches. Nonetheless, these horrendous calls extended Jonesboro-Hodge drives, and the Tigers punched in a late score to take an 18–14 lead and secure the win.
The Apaches fought to the end, but time ran out in a game defined by defensive grit, explosive plays, and heart from start to finish. The Apaches being down 5 very important key starters, came out firing and were prepared to win the game and played outstanding. This tough season has taught grit and resolve and a relentless will to get better each week. With a work ethic like that, they are poised for success in the future!
The Apaches hit the road in the final game of the season against the Haynesville Golden Tornado, Friday night at 7:30 p.m. Apache loud, Apache proud….
IT’S A GREAT DAY TO BE AN APACHE!!!
