Tigers triumph in region opener
By Bart Moss / For the FCT
The Red Bay Tigers improved to 3-0 Friday, easily defeating the Hatton Hornets 32-6 in both teams’ region opener.
The Tigers once again used a power running game and stingy defense to overpower the Hornets. Red Bay amassed 282 total yards, of which only nine were through the air.
“Our running game averaged six yards per carry and controlled the game,” said Red Bay coach Michael Jackson.
Senior quarterback Kolby Bragwell rushed 115 yards and two touchdowns. He also returned a fumble for a touchdown.
“We played a very complete game on both sides of the ball,” said Jackson. “Our defense did a great job causing and recovering turnovers. Our offense did a good job on their assignments and getting on blocks.”
Red Bay held Hatton scoreless until late in the fourth quarter and led 18-0 at the end of the first quarter.
The Tigers got on the board first when Joshua Blanton chased down a Hatton runner in the end zone for a safety, giving Red Bay a 2-0 lead with 7:04 to go in the first quarter. The Tigers added another touchdown with 4:10 to go in the quarter when Bragwell scored from four yards out. He also converted the two-point attempt to give Red Bay a 10-0 lead.
Red Bay scored again with 00:50 to go in the first quarter. This time it was Jalen Vinson breaking loose for a 28-yard touchdown run. Bragwell added the two-point conversion run to give the Tigers an 18-0 lead.
Colbie King scored on a 10-yard run with 8:25 to go in the third quarter. Bragwell once again ran the ball for the two-point conversion to give Red Bay a 26-0 lead.
The Tigers got their final score with 8:45 remaining in the game when Bragwell scooped up a Hatton fumble and sprinted 59 yards for the score.
Red Bay will travel to Addison (2-1) Friday night.