Tigers Claw Out Thrilling Last-Second Victory Over Vernon

Chipley, FL – In a heart-stopping Friday night showdown under the lights of Philip R. Roulhac Stadium, the Chipley Tigers snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, stunning the Vernon Yellowjackets with a game-winning field goal as time expired. The final score, 24-22, sent the home crowd into a frenzy and marked a pivotal early-season district win for the Tigers.

A Tale of Two Halves

The contest was a gritty, back-and-forth affair from the opening kickoff. Vernon came out strong, with their powerful running back, Mark Casey, finding the endzone twice in the first half. The Yellowjackets' defense seemed impenetrable, holding the Tigers' offense to just a single touchdown before halftime, a 15-yard scramble by Chipley's junior quarterback, Leo Jackson. At the half, the Tigers found themselves trailing 16-7 and searching for answers.

Momentum began to shift in the third quarter. After a crucial fumble recovery by linebacker Marcus Jones, Jackson connected with senior wide receiver Dylan Croft for a 40-yard touchdown pass, electrifying the home stands and cutting the deficit to 16-14.

"We just told them to believe in the system and believe in each other," said Head Coach Marcus Thorpe after the game. "Vernon is a tough, physical team. We knew we had to match their intensity, and our guys responded in that second half."

The Final Drive

The fourth quarter was a nail-biter. After trading field goals, Vernon held a slim 22-17 lead with just over two minutes remaining. The Tigers' hopes rested on one final drive starting from their own 25-yard line.

With a mix of sharp passes and tough runs, Jackson masterfully marched his team down the field. A critical 20-yard reception by Croft on a fourth-down play kept the drive alive. With just four seconds left on the clock and the ball on the Vernon 15-yard line, Coach Thorpe made the call to send in kicker Ben Carter.

Carter, a sophomore, coolly stepped onto the field as the stadium held its collective breath. The snap was good, the hold was perfect, and the kick sailed straight through the uprights as the final horn sounded. The Tigers sideline erupted, storming the field to celebrate the incredible 24-22 victory. 🏈

"I just blocked everything out and focused on the ball," a beaming Carter said amidst the celebration. "Leo and the guys did all the hard work getting us down there. I just had to do my part."

The win moves the Chipley Tigers to 3-1 on the season. They will look to carry this momentum into next week's away game against the Graceville Tigers.