Tigers build early lead, top Bears

RED BAY — Walking off the field in Lexington last season, Red Bay head coach Dale Jeffreys knew his team’s slow start cost them an important region victory.

This year he stressed the importance of starting strong and his players responded by building a 14-0 halftime lead on their way to a 24-7 win.

The Tiger defense held Lexington (0-2, 0-1) to a three-and-out on the Bears’ first possession. The offense capitalized on the good field position moments later when quarterback Hunter Childers scored on a 12-yard run. Clay McNatt added the kick to put the Tigers ahead 7-0.

In the closing minute of the second quarter Childers extended the lead with a 23-yard touchdown pass to Justin Payne.

McNatt tried to give the Tigers (2-0, 1-0) more of a cushion, but missed a 36-yard field goal attempts. The Red Bay defense then held Lexington to another three-and-out.

The Bears’ punt traveled six yards and put the Tiger offense in business at the Lexington 24-yard line.

The Bears defense kept Red Bay out of the end zone, but McNatt’s kick sailed through the uprights to push the Tiger advantage to 17-0.

Lexington avoided the shutout when it scored on a 10-yard pass with 8:39 remaining in the game.

Red Bay answered with a 6-yard run by Matt Belue.

Red Bay travels to Colbert Heights next week in a battle of undefeated teams.