BY TUCKER MASSEY FOR THE OBSERVER
PHOTOS BY JERRY BALLAS
AUBURN — No. 3 in 7A Region 2 Auburn High School had a matchup against undefeated No. 1 in 7A Region 2 Central High School out of Phenix City on Oct. 20.
The Tigers got off to a slow start and allowed a big Central passing touchdown to take the lead at 6-0, followed by a successful PAT.
Auburn was unable to respond, but the Tigers’ defense held the Red Devils to just a field goal to widen the lead to 10-0. Auburn was held off for a second time, and Central mimicked its prior possession with another successful field goal, ending the first quarter with a 13-0 lead.
Moving into the second quarter, Auburn tried to gain momentum, but ultimately could not keep up with the Red Devils, with Auburn successfully kicking a field goal and scoring one touchdown with an extra point while Central put up another 14 points going into the half.
When the teams returned to the field, the Red Devils led the Tigers 27-10. Auburn came in and kicked another successful field goal, followed by another Central touchdown.
Before entering the final stretch, Auburn narrowed Central’s lead to 34-20, but the Tigers would not score again the entirety of the fourth quarter.
Central expanded its lead over Auburn to 41-20 and won the game to claim the regional title.
Auburn will take on another region competitor next week as Prattville High School comes to play at Duck-Samford at 7 p.m., followed by the season closer against Smiths Station High School at Smiths Station on Nov. 11.
