Red Bay offense struggles to find rhythm in 18-7 loss to Lee-Huntsville
By Staff
Scot Beard
HUNTSVILLE – There were several highlights during Red Bay's opening game, but unfortunately most of them went against the Tigers.
Red Bay quarterback Cody Palmer threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown on the third play of the game and struggled throughout as the Tigers fell to Lee-Huntsville 18-7.
"It was a total disaster offensively," Red Bay coach Dale Jeffreys said.
Red Bay bounced back after the interception by returning the ensuing kickoff to the Lee 29-yard line. Four plays later Cody Armstrong scored from two yards out and kicked the point after to give Red Bay its only lead of the game 7-6 with 8:17 remaining in the first quarter.
The rest of the game was an ugly affair with Red Bay committing three more turnovers and Lee turning the ball over four times.
One of the Lee turnovers was an interception by Red Bay's Andre Newell that he returned to the Lee 16-yard line. A pair of penalties stalled the drive and Red Bay was forced to punt the ball to Lee.
The Generals second touchdown came after Lee recovered a fumble on the Red Bay 33 yard-line. Four plays later, A.J. Odoms scored on a 6-yard run to give Lee a lead it would not surrender.
Lee missed an opportunity to add to the lead a few moments later when the Tigers fumbled on their own 25 on the first play of the next drive. Lee recovered the ball, but the Tiger defense held and Armstrong sacked the Lee quarterback on fourth down to end the threat.
Three plays later, Lee intercepted a Palmer pass the Generals' offense was back in business. This time, Lee would not be denied and scored on a 10-yard run by Raymond Russell with 55 seconds remaining in the first half to give Lee an 18-7 lead.
The Tiger defense played strong all evening, and Lee's last touchdown drive – 47 yards – was the longest drive Red Bay allowed all night.
"I was pleased with the defense and the way they played," Jeffreys said. "We will have to rely on the defense until we get the offense going."
The Red Bay defense played even better in the second half, allowing only one first down, not allowing any scores and recovering two fumbles.
