From center to running back, Altavista's Rosser Farmer made the transition look smooth as he powered the Colonels over the Tigers.
SUSSEX- When Sussex Central had to rally late to put away the Generals and when the hail mary prayers were answered versus Brunswick, Altavista came in believing. They believed they had a chance to get their first win in Sussex. The Colonels were pumped and ready and got them the chances needed to advance to the state playoffs.
Just past the midway point of the 1st quarter, the teams started to fill one another out when Rosser Farmer broke loose for a 46 yard touchdown run to get the visiting crowd up on their feet. Ja'Corion Davis would get the conversion and Altavista led 8-0 with 4:02 left in the quarter.
The Tigers would respond as Justin Patterson raced down the sideline for a 55-yard touchdown run and Edward Birchette would add the conversion to nod it up at 8 ending the quarter tied. Sussex would have had a drive stall and some opportunities missed due to miscues.
Altavista would answer with 3:03 left in the 2nd, capping a punishing drive with Ladanian Stone going in from 8 yards out and Davis would again cash in the conversion to give the Colonels a 16-8 lead.
Sussex Central would again respond as Birchett exploded for a 52 yard run taking the ball down to the Colonel 4 yard line. Birchett would later go in from 3 yards out. Anthony Cropper would get the conversion with 28 seconds before the half to make it 16-16 at the half.
Farmer would emerge again thrashing the left side of the Tigers defense. He would carry defenders on his way to a 13 yard run to make it 22-16. On the conversion, Altavista would false start pushing them back 5 yards. The Colonel's Jordin Pippen pass would fall short of his attempted receiver making it 22-16.
You expect Sussex to respond right? They indeed did as Patterson would take the kickoff, avoid hitting the ground and then race up the visitors side setting up a chance to take the lead or tie. An unsportsmanlike penalty would push the Tigers from the 28 to the Colonel 13. The Tigers would have a bad snap and would drop a tipped pass in the endzone on 4th 11 to put up nothing on the scoreboard.
Defensively the rest of the way Sussex Central would bend but never break. The offense however saw another promising drive halted with 5:33 left to play. Altavista would move the ball into scoring position but facing a 4th and goal from the 1 yard line, the Colonels would be stopped giving the Tigers a chance.
Anthony Cropper was always a step away from breaking out.Cropper who was always getting close to breaking one was looking to cash in late. He would receive a hitch and race down the home sideline that instantly hushed the Colonel faithful. Cropper again was prevented from taking it all the way which would prove to be the biggest stop. On the next play the Tigers chose a different route and Birchett attempted to go up the middle. Altavista's staff preached to strip the ball all second half and their prayers were answered. Birchett was corralled and more than that was stripped. And with 1:56 remaining the Tiger season would come to an end.
