This past week, Bibb County celebrated Homecoming by honoring the classes of 2013, 2003, and 1993. The Choctaws help the returning alumni and the Choctaws regulars as they defeated the Wildcats from Hale County in a key region game.
The Wildcats began the game and looked as though they had the Choctaws confused with all the misdirection plays that they were running. But just as they made their way into Choctaws territory, the defense took over. Ty Burkes, Trashun Griffin, and Xavier Rhine sacked the Wildcats quarterback causing him to fumble the football. Burkes scooped up the fumble and returned it 52 yards for a touchdown. The extra point was missed leaving the score 6-0 in favor of the Choctaws.
The Wildcats would regroup and quickly moved down the field and just when it seemed as though the drive would stall, on 4th down Antwain Zinnerman found TJ Hatch for a touchdown. Zinnerman then connected with Erius Hamilton for the 2- point conversion to give the Wildcats an 8-6 lead.
Bibb would only allow the Wildcats to hold on to that lead for a short time as they quickly moved down the field behind the running of Jay Harris and Jordan Leverette. Harris would finish the drive off with a 6-yard touchdown run. Matthew Cash added the 2-point conversion to give the Choctaws the lead again at 14-8. This is a lead that Bibb would not relinquish.
The Choctaws defense would settle in, and the Wildcats would find the going tough the rest of the game. After the defense held the Wildcats and forced a punt, Leverette found Kavon Holman behind the defense for a 33-yard touchdown connection. Kevin Duran extra point was good, and the lead was now 21-8.
The Wildcats mishandled the kickoff and would have to start inside their own 10 on their next possession. After three plays they were forced to punt. Unfortunately for them, the snap sailed over the punters head and resulted in a safety to make the score 23-8.
Bibb would take over at the 50-yard line following the free kick. On the second play of the drive, Leverette dropped back and found Ethan McMillan all alone down the visitor’s sideline for a 50-yard touchdown reception. Duran extra point was good, and Bibb extended their lead to 30-8.
The Wildcats offense would continue to try and find a way to get something going. But once again, the Choctaws defense was having none of it. Griffin broke through the line of scrimmage and stripped the Wildcats runner of the ball. Lyndon Hood scooped it up at the 19 and raced to the endzone for another scoop and score for the Choctaws. Duran again was true on the extra point and the score was 37-8 as the game reached halftime.
The Choctaws received the kickoff to start the second half and got into Wildcats territory, but following a penalty, seen their 4th down attempt come up short.
On the Wildcats next possession, Griffin sacked Zinnerman and caused him to fumble, and Griffin quickly recovered the football.
Bibb quickly marched down the field for the final score of the game as Harris raced around the left end and went untouched for a 33-yard touchdown run. Duran extra point was good to make the score 44-8 in favor of the Choctaws.
The rest of the game would see the Choctaws empty their bench and allow every player to get a chance to play. The clock was also put into what is considered the “hot clock” mode meaning that it ran even during timeouts.
The Wildcats had one last chance as the clock was winding down. However, it ended after just one play as Brenden Tate stripped the ball carrier of the ball and Jaterrius Mitchell recovered it to allow the Choctaws to take a knee and end the game.
Leverette ended the game 5-8 for 131 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Harris had 42 yards on just 7 carries and 2 touchdowns.
Holman finished with 2 catches for 49 yards and McMillan had 50 yards and one touchdown.
Burkes led the way with 14 total tackles, a sack, and the fumble return for a touchdown.
Xavier Rhine had 9 tackles, including 2 tackles.
Antonius Steele and Luke Thompson each had 7 tackles.
Griffin finished with 4 tackles, all for losses. He had 2 sacks and 2 forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
The Choctaws would like to congratulate Au’Laisah Kidd who was crowned the 2023 Homecoming Queen at halftime.
Bibb moves to 6-1 on the season, but most importantly, 4-0 in the region. The Choctaws will host Montevallo this coming Friday in a huge region game. Montevallo will come in with a 5-1 record and are 3-1 in the region. Kickoff will be at 7 pm.
