Malia Riggs
Elmore Autauga News
The Prattville Lions took down JAG, Johnson Abernathy Graetz High School, last Friday for the last game of the season, and the first game back on the home turf of Stanley-Jensen Stadium.
The Lions had a rough start to the game where the Jaguars lead the first half in touchdowns and drives going into halftime.
However, the Lions picked up in the third quarter and put it into overdrive, dominating the Jaguars with a final score of 19-6 ending a five-game losing streak for the Lions.
The Lions finished their season with a 5-5 record overall with a 2-5 record in the region, placing them 6th in the 7A region in the state.
“Our guys, they play well as a team, those guys play for each other. We had some things cooking. We’re still growing some guys up at the time and just timing, everything worked out,” lions head coach J.B. Wallace said.
Wallace stated that there was a lot that went into the culture this season, including an overnight camp and keeping his guys together, and that most of his players have been playing together since little league
“But something special happened at that camp. And I started seeing guys that were young kind of step up and voice their opinion in a positive way on what they want to do and how they want to lead this program. I think it catapulted us to that point. We had a rough five weeks, but we came out and competed and it’s something we can build on,” Wallace said.
Being the first game back in Stanley-Jensen Stadium, back on the home turf, Wallace stated that he’s proud of his team and especially his seniors. Wallace stated his seniors held their heads high, worked hard and left the program better than they found it.
Looking forward to next season, Wallace confirmed that they will rise to the occasion and will be raising the standard and competing as a unit, with off season practice starting as soon as next week.
“It was a great feeling being back here tonight. I came in twice before the team got here. There’s something about this place. It already had a mysterious feel about this place for a long time and in a good way. There was some energy here tonight. It’s hard to explain, but the kids, as soon as they turned the corner down there, they were excited to be here, and they were ready to play. It’s a great-looking stadium and it’s going to be one of the best in the state. We’re excited and we’re proud of what we have,” Wallace said.
Wallace went on to thank the community for not only filling the stadium for senior night, but for the unwavering support this season.
Better days are coming. We’re going to take that next step and we’re going to get better as a unit, as a team and as a family,” Wallace said.
