By Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
A week after an impressive performance in the season opening win over Pike Road, the Prattville Lions’ offense again impressed with a strong performance on the road against the Stanhope Elmore Mustangs. Running back Tristen Blackmon rushed for 3 touchdowns, and quarterback Gavin Rigdon passed for 262 yards and 1 touchdown to lead the Lions to a 34-13 win.
Thes Mustangs received the ball first and their drive ended with a Colby Beyer punt that rolled inside the Prattville Lions’ 5-yard line. It didn’t take the Lions long to score. Blackmon rushed for 16-yards, and a few plays later Brayden Graham rushed 74 yards for a touchdown.
The Lions threatened to score again on their second drive, but Stanhope Elmore recovered a fumble inside their own 5-yard line. Mustang running back Arthur McQueen had a 61-yard run to move the ball deep inside Prattville territory, but the drive ended without points. Prattville responded with a long drive that ended with a 3-yard touchdown run by Blackmon to put the Lions ahead 14-0 with just over a minute before halftime.
The Lions got the ball to start the 3rd quarter. Facing a 3rd and 12, Rigdon completed a 12-yard screen pass to Blackmon that was converted for a first down. Rigdon also completed a 33-yard pass to receiver Brodie Bowman just before Blackmon scored his second touchdown of the night. The Lions moved ahead 21-0 with 9 minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter.
Prattville’s offense had to punt for the first time late in the 3rd quarter, but the snap sailed over the punter’s head and the Mustangs were able to start their next drive at the 11-yard line. McQueen scored on the next play to cut the lead to 21-7.
On Prattville’s next possession, Blackmon busted through the line and raced 70-yards for his third touchdown of the night. The extra point was no good, but the Lions led 27-7.
The Mustangs moved the ball late in the 3rd quarter, and on the first play of the 4th quarter, Stanhope Elmore quarterback Zack Holcomb threw a touchdown pass from 6-yards out. It was the first touchdown pass of Holcomb’s career. The Lions blocked the extra point, so the lead was 27-13.
With the ball and the lead in the 4th quarter, the Lions faced a 3rd and 12. Rigdon threw a 12-yard pass to Bowman for the first down. A few plays later, Rigdon connected with Bowman again, this time for a 39-yard touchdown and the final score of the game.
For the Mustangs, McQueen had another big night, rushing for 127 yards and one touchdown.
But the night belonged to Prattville’s offensive skill players. Blackmon rushed for 120 yards and 3 touchdowns. Rigdon passed for 262 yards and 1 touchdown.
Bowman had 7 receptions for 115 yards and 1 touchdown. Donovan Brown had 6 receptions for 82 yards.
Both teams will start region play next week on the road. Stanhope Elmore will play at Cramton Bowl on Thursday night against Percy Julian in a Class 6A Region 2 match.
Prattville will travel to Oak Mountain next Friday night for a Class 7A Region 3 contest. Both teams are 2-0 on the season.
