Loachapoka Claims 1A Region 4 Title

BY TUCKER MASSEY / FOR THE OBSERVER
PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

The undefeated Loachapoka Indians took on the Maplesville Red Devils at Beulah High School Oct. 19. The game started off slow with both teams scoreless until about halfway through the second quarter when Maplesville took a 6-0 lead after a passing touchdown and failed two-point conversion. The Indians responded quickly as they swiftly pushed downfield and into the red zone.

Loachapoka’s senior running back Jeremiah Darlington ran the ball in for a 15-yard rushing touchdown to tie it up. Their two-point conversion also failed, leaving the game at 6-6 through the half.

The game remained scoreless throughout the third quarter, with no team scoring until late in the fourth. Loachapoka’s junior running back Anthony Wheat finally ran it into the endzone for the Indians’ second touchdown of the game, a touchdown that would prove to be the final blow to Maplesville. The game ended with Loachapoka on top, winning the game 12-6 and leaving the Indians undefeated for the season and with their first 1A Region 4 Title in a decade.

As Loachapoka advances to the playoffs, they will take the No. 1 seed from Region 4. However, the Indians still have regular season play to take care of before the playoffs begin. On Friday, Oct. 27, Loachapoka will face off against the Billingsley Bears at Billingsley. Billingsley is currently fifth in 1A Region 4 but are currently undefeated at home.