By Rick Lanier
Opelika Observer
D-E-F-E-N-S-E! Beauregard displayed a ton of it, especially late in the fourth quarter when the outcome of their game v. Tallassee was very much uncertain.
A key stop on fourth-and-goal from their own one yard line. A crucial sack on third-and-three to take the Tigers out of field goal range and force a punt. Punishing tackles to remind would-be Tallassee receivers that there would be consequences for routes ran over the middle. Another sack, another stuffed run, play after play, lead change after lead change.
The Hornet’s offense came to play on Senior Night as well, hanging 26 points on a Tallassee team that had previously allowed only 19 points per game. Quarterbacks Q. Seroyer and Sam Harris combined to go 17-of-26 passing for 230 yards, Isaiah McKissic hauled in 10 catches for 143 yards and two touchdowns and running back Ashton Moss shredded the Tiger defense for 91 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries.
On fourth down with 11 with seconds to go in the game, Tallassee had one more shot to win. Trips right, max protect, all go as the hail mary spiraled through the air while receivers and defenders jockeyed for position under it. As the ball descended carrying the fate of the game with it, one pair of hands rose above the rest – a leaping six-foot, three-inch Isaiah McKissic. Fittingly so, the final catch of the night would be an interception to end the Tigers chances and preserved the win 26-21.
Led by the 20 seniors honored pregame, the Hornets rallied to win five of their last six games of the season to finish with a 5-4 (4-2) record, and completely turn-around a season many thought had gotten away from them.
“After our third game I challenged our players to make the needed changes to win” said Coach Rob Carter, “and they responded, I love these guys, they never give up.”
Beauregard’s next game will be Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. C.S.T. as the Hornets will host a first round playoff game – opponent is still to be decided.