Indians Lose Heartbreaker to Warriors
The Vidalia High School Indians football team and the Tattnall County Warriors battled in a hardfought contest Friday night, with the Indians ultimately falling just short in a 22-18 loss. The game was a seesaw affair, with both teams trading blows and the lead changing hands multiple times.
The Indians came out firing on all cylinders in the first quarter, establishing their running game early. After a long run by Brycen Burns put Vidalia in scoring position, DJ Wallace punched it in from two yards out for the first touchdown of the game. A missed point-after attempt left the score at 6-0. The Indians offense continued to roll, with Jamarre Wiggs breaking free for a spectacular 57-yard rushing touchdown. The two-point conversion attempt failed, but Vidalia held a commanding 12-0 lead.
However, the Warriors responded with a big play of their own, scoring on a 55yard rushing touchdown to cut the lead to 12-7 by the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter was a defensive struggle, with both teams exchanging punts and battling for field position. A Vidalia fumble was recovered by the Warriors, setting them up for a touchdown that gave them their first lead of the game. A successful two-point conversion put Tattnall County ahead 15-12 heading into halftime.
The Indians came out strong in the second half, with the defense stepping up to make a key play. Brycen Burns recovered a Tattnall County fumble, giving the offense a short field. DJ Wallace connected on a long pass to Kashun Coney, setting up Andre Jackson for a 45-yard rushing touchdown to reclaim the lead for Vidalia, 18-15. Another missed PAT kept the game a three-point affair.
Vidalia's defense continued to force turnovers in the fourth quarter, with Kashun Coney recovering a fumble to halt a Warriors' drive. The Indians' offense capitalized, with Brycen Burns once again breaking loose for a long run to put Vidalia deep in enemy territory. Despite their efforts, the Indians were unable to extend their lead, and Tattnall County's defense held strong.
With time winding down, the Warriors mounted a game-winning drive, culminating in a passing touchdown with under three minutes to go. A successful point-after extended their lead to 22-18. Vidalia's offense fought valiantly in the final minutes, but a turnover on downs sealed the victory for the Warriors.
The Indians are off to an 0-3 start on the season. They will be back in action this Friday night at home against the Herons of Brantley County with kickoff at 7:30 p.m.
