West Lauderdale wins thriller

By By Will Bardwell/staff writer
October 25, 2003
West Lauderdale blocked two extra points before stopping a Morton two-point attempt in double overtime, as the Knights took a 31-30 win.
Leading 18-12 in the final moments of regulation, Morton quarterback Shay Hodge finished off a last-minute drive with a three-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 18, with 19 seconds left.
The Knights blocked Morton's extra point that would have given Morton the lead, and the game went to overtime.
Hodge scored again for Morton in the first over time on an eight-yard run, and West Lauderdale again blocked the extra point.
After a one-yard touchdown run by quarterback Michael Pogue on fourth and goal, the Knights had a chance to win with a successful extra point, but their attempt was in turn blocked by Morton.
In the second overtime period, West Lauderdale's Dameon Baylor put the Knights up 31-24 with a two-yard touchdown run, which was followed by a successful extra point.
Morton also scored a touchdown in the second overtime, but elected to go for the win with a two-point conversion. The West Lauderdale defense held on its own 1, and the Knights escaped with a win.
Now 7-2 and 4-1 in Division 5-3A, West Lauderdale assured itself a playoff berth with the win. Morton is 3-6.