By NIC YOUNG | Special to the Reporter
NORTH SHELBY – Despite a valiant comeback effort, the Oak Mountain Eagles could not stop the dynamic play of the Prattville Lions, falling 35-28 on Sept. 6 at Heardmont Park.
Looking to get the upper hand early, the Eagles opened up the game with a surprise onside kick. This worked in Oak Mountain’s favor as they recovered the kick after a Prattville muff.
Unfortunately for the Eagles, they couldn’t capitalize on this opportunity with their first drive resulting in a quick three-and-out.
Having just avoided disaster, the Lions took no time getting on the scoreboard with quarterback Gavin Rigdon hitting Kelvin Blue for a 77-yard touchdown pass to give them a 7-0 lead.
The Eagles responded with a sense of urgency on the following drive. The offense overcame a third-and-long off quarterback Will O’Dell’s 45-yard pass to Sean Ray to place the Eagles at the Lions 15-yard line.
This spark was all Oak Mountain needed as O’Dell would score from six yards out to tie the game at 7-7.