Jackson, TN
Dragons Fall in OT to Tigers 30-23
The Dragons could have easily hung their heads and given up as the Benedict Tigers scored two early touchdowns in the first quarter to take a 13-0 lead. Choosing not to give up, the Dragons answered all questions about their character. A second quarter (33-yard) field goal by Jose Dimas, put the first points on the board for the Dragons making the score 13-3. With only seconds left in the first half, the Tigers scored again to extend the lead to 20-3.
The third quarter was dominated by the Dragons ground game which produced two touchdowns. Darren Henry capped off a 6 play 80-yard scoring drive with an exciting 70-yard run down the sideline for the first touchdown in the quarter. The Dragons defense stepped up and held the Tigers to a 4-and- out possession setting up the next score. Evan Yabu brought the fans to their feet with a 49-yard punt return, setting the offense up at the Tigers 12 yard line. The Dragons second possession of the quarter only took 4 plays to score, as Darren Henry finished the drive with a 4-yard touchdown run. The extra point brought the score to a 20-16 Tiger lead at the end of the third quarter.
The fourth quarter was more of the same, as the Dragons defense held tight forcing the Tigers to face the Dragons offense once again. The ground and pound attack led the Dragons on another 10 play 61-yard touchdown run. With 8:30 on the game clock, Tahj Dent rushed up the middle for 5 yards and the go ahead touchdown, giving the Dragons a 23-20 lead. After alternating possessions that took much of the remaining time off the clock, the Tigers had one last chance to tie the game. A 24-yard field goal as time expired gave the Tigers their only points of the second half, tying the score 23-23 sending the game to over-time.
The Tigers gained first possession in overtime and scored from 25 yards out, on the first play in the extra period for the 30-23 lead. The Dragons worked the ball to the 9 yard line before two incomplete passes ended the drive and the game. Darren Henry led the offense with 98 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns, while Alonza Moore III was the leading tackler on defense with nine tackles.
