In a game that was tight throughout, the fate of the Sweet Water Bulldogs’ season came down to defending a two-point conversion attempt. The defense answered the call holding Wadley High School and advancing with a 21-20 victory.
Both team’s defenses were shining early. It wasn’t until late in the second that Wadley broke the stalemate, taking a 7-0 edge. But, Sweet Water’s offense also came to life as Shamar Lewis broke free for a 28-yard run into the endzone. Jonah Smith’s point-after tied the game with only 1:15 to go in the first half.
Sweet Water took its first lead early in the third when Jaylin Johnson scored on a three-yard run to the endzone. With Smith’s PAT, the Bulldogs held a 14-7 lead.
But, Wadley came right back later in the perior on a four-yard run and the PAT tied the game again at 14.
It wasn’t until just under five minutes to go in the contest that Lewis scored the go-ahead touchdown and Smith’s PAT made it 21-14.
Wadley wasn’t ready to down, and came right back with a touchdown with only 1:06 to go. Wadley was looking to ending the game in their favor by going for a 2-point conversion. But the pass attempt was no good, giving Sweet Water the victory.
Wadley did outpace the Bulldogs with total offense, 372 yards to Sweet Water’s 258. But, the Sweet Water defense forced four turnovers in the game. The Bulldogs had none.
Leading the Bulldog offense was Lewis who rushed for 128 yards and scored two touchdowns. Jaylin Johnson finished with 68 yards and touchdown whil R.J. Rodgers contributed 54 yards.
There wasn’t much going on in the passing game for either team. Sweet Water’s Jonah Smith finished the night 2-for-9 with 6 yards. Will Huckabee was on the receiving end for both of those completions.
Trent Sams was among the defensive leaders for the Bulldogs whose night included an interception.
Sweet Water will host Maplesville in the third round of the state playoffs on Friday, Nov. 19, with kickoff at 7 p.m.