By Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
After missing the entire 3rd quarter with an injury sustained late in the 1st half of Prattville’s 1st round Class 6A-7A playoff game against Oxford, starting quarterback Kaytie Chandler jogged back on the field for the Lions with the game tied at 12. Chandler made it count, running for a 14-yard touchdown to put the Lions ahead for good. She added a late touchdown pass to give the Lions a 24-12 win and advance to the 2nd round of the playoffs for the second straight season.
Prattville jumped out to a 12-0 lead in the 1st half after touchdown rushes from Lanieya Page and Hartley McCay, but Oxford was able to cut the lead in half with a late 1st half touchdown. Chandler suffered a lower leg injury during a rush late in the 2nd quarter.
In the 3rd quarter, Oxford seized the momentum and tied the game at 12, but the extra point conversion was no good.
“When the game was tied, the only thing I was thinking about was that we needed to keep our composure and go down and score,” said Prattville Head Coach Brian Pittman.
The Lady Lions did just that. With the game tied midway through the 4th quarter, McCay completed a deep pass to London Williams, who made an impressive catch over several defenders. Chandler then came onto the field and scored as soon as she touched the ball.
After an interception by Williams, the Lions moved the ball deep into Oxford territory, and Prattville put the game away with the touchdown pass from Chandler to Mady Cate Lindsey.
“The girls were very resilient and battled their tails off. I’m very happy for them, “said Head Coach Pittman.
For the game, McCay and Page each ran for a touchdown. Chandler ran for a touchdown and threw a touchdown pass to Lindsey.
Defensively, Emma Kate Gunn, Eriana Benson, and Emma Moore each had a sack for the Lions. McCay, Page, and Williams each had an interception.
With the win, the Lions improve to 14-2 overall and advance to the 2nd round of the Class 6A-7A playoffs. Prattville will host Lee of Huntsville next week.
