Sports
Gators take a 15-12 heartbreaking loss to Florence
Vicksburg High School Gators faced a tough 15-12 defeat against Florence, despite leading for most of the game. The loss drops their season record to 1-5 as they prepare for an upcoming open week.
Mistakes proved costly for Vicksburg High School on Friday night as the Gators suffered a heartbreaking 15-12 loss to Florence.
The loss dropped Vicksburg to 1-5 on the season after the Gators held a 12-point lead entering the fourth quarter.
Vicksburg found some early success offensively, including a 22-yard run by Nick Carson. Defense controlled much of the first quarter, with Wallyss Curry among the Gators making tackles in the backfield.
The first quarter ended scoreless.
Vicksburg’s defense continued to stand tall in the second quarter. Jaylen Smith came up with a sack, and the Gators partially blocked a punt to gain favorable field position.
Carson broke free for another big run to move Vicksburg into the red zone. Quarterback TJ Selvy then connected with Daylen Atkins for a big gain before Jaquez Jones scored on a 7-yard reverse to give the Gators a 6-0 lead.
Florence began moving the ball on its next possession, but Corbin Walker jumped up and intercepted a pass to give possession back to Vicksburg.
Selvy connected with Jones twice and Rico Thomas once as the Gators moved inside the 5-yard line. However, a mistake while attempting to kneel the ball allowed the remaining time to expire, sending Vicksburg into halftime with a 6-0 lead.
The Gators controlled much of the clock during the third quarter. Selvy connected with Jones for another big gain and later scrambled for 11 yards on fourth down to move the chains.
Jordan Clay eventually finished the drive with a 5-yard touchdown run, extending Vicksburg’s lead to 12-0.
Florence finally responded in the fourth quarter with a short touchdown run to cut the Gators’ lead to 12-7.
Vicksburg then made a costly mistake on the ensuing kickoff, allowing Florence to recover the ball at the Gators’ 10-yard line. The Eagles scored again a few plays later and converted the 2-point conversion to take a 15-12 lead.
Vicksburg’s offense responded with a chance to retake the lead. Jayden Stewart caught a big pass before Carson broke free on a run that moved the Gators inside the 5-yard line.
The potential go-ahead drive ended when Vicksburg fumbled in the end zone. The ball went out of bounds, resulting in a touchback that gave possession to Florence.
The Eagles ran out the remaining time to secure the 15-12 victory.
Vicksburg is now 1-5 and will have an open week next week.
