The Westside Patriots fought for a 23-21 come back win against the Vidalia Indians on Friday, Nov. 12 at Clayton Thomson Field.
With less than six minutes left in the first quarter, the Indians struck first on a touchdown pass from quarterback Bryce Davis to Jordan Powell. Tate McDaniel kicked for the extra point, and the score was 7-0.
During a Westside possession in the second quarter, quarterback Brian Green threw an interception to Powell. The Indians took advantage of the turnover and scored on 44-yard touchdown pass from Davis. McDaniel kicked again for the extra point, and the score was 14-0.
Towards the end of the second quarter, Davis broke through the Westside defense as he carried the ball into the end zone on a 77-yard touchdown run. Another extra point from McDaniel made the score 21-0.
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Cameron Collins put the Patriots on the board before the end of the first half as he ran the ball in for a Westside touchdown. The kick was no good, so the score was 21-6 going into the second half.
Westside was driving down the field during their first possession of the third quarter when Green fumbled the ball. Trace Thompson recovered the ball for Vidalia, but nothing was made of the turnover.
Coastal Carolina commit Kaleb Hutchinson led the Patriots to the red zone on their next possession as he carried the ball play after play to the 2-yard line. Green then faked the hand-off to Hutchinson and ran into the end zone for another Westside touchdown. Sean Medcalfe kicked for the extra point, and the score was 21-13.
The Patriots drew closer to creating a lead change late in the fourth quarter. Davis was handling the ball for the Indians when it was deflected straight up into the air. On its way down, Hutchinson caught the ball and ran 77 yards for a touchdown. Medcalfe kicked again for the extra point, and the score was 21-20.
With 13 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Medcalfe saved the day for the Patriots on a 45-yard field goal to end the game 23-21.
Westside will play either Banks County or South Atlanta next Friday, Nov. 19 in round two of the playoffs.
Shelbie Summerlin is a Sports Contributor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at ssummerlin@augusta.edu
