Laney secured the victory over Oglethorpe County 30-14 on Friday, Oct. 29, at Lucy C. Laney Memorial Stadium. Laney Wildcats cornerback Markell Brigham sealed the victory with an interception for a touchdown with under two minutes to go in the fourth quarter.
The Wildcats began the game with a kickoff return by Jacarri Gamble for a touchdown. Laney failed on the two-point conversion, making the score 6-0.
Oglethorpe drove down later in the first quarter and scored on a 7-yard run by quarterback Will Sampson. Kicker Frank Liguori added the extra point putting the Oglethorpe Patriots ahead 7-6 with 3:35 remaining in the first quarter.
With two minutes remaining in the first, the Patriots blocked punter Alzariane Berry, giving Oglethorpe another chance to score. Running back Nate Brown took advantage of the opportunity and ran in the two-yard touchdown. Liguori made the extra point to make the score 14-6 with 31 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
Laney would tie up the game with 9:04 remaining in the second quarter after quarterback Keshaun Sanders threw a 17-yard touchdown to wide receiver Julian Harrison. The Wildcats added the two-point conversion tying up the game 14-14.
Sanders put the Wildcats ahead off a 2-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Carl Holmes for a touchdown. Laney converted the two-point conversion to put them ahead 22-14 at the half.
Both teams were held scoreless in the third quarter and players on both teams were getting a little frustrated. Shoving ensued and penalties were thrown on both sides.
The Patriots got their last chance after stopping the Wildcats on 4th and goal with two minutes remaining in the game. Brigham intercepted Sampson for the touchdown and Laney walked away with the victory 30-14.
Oglethorpe led Laney in total yards, 264 to 260. They also dominated on the run, 202 yards to 100, but the Wildcats defense held the Patriots to just 62 passing yards.
Laney’s (6-3) next game will be on the road against Jefferson County (5-3) next Friday, Nov. 5. Oglethorpe County (3-6) will face Westside (6-2) at home also next Friday.
Chris Rickerson is a Sports Contributor for The Augusta Press. Reach him at CRICKERSON@augusta.edu.
