This past week, a lot of talking was going on in the world of social media as the Choctaws were preparing to host the Montevallo Bulldogs. The Bulldogs came into the game with a 5-1 record and a #11 ranking in class 4a, just 3 spots behind the #8 Choctaws. With a win, Montevallo would take over the top spot in the region. The Bulldogs had just given up 89 points in their first 6 games and trust me, they were feeling pretty good about themselves on the social media outlets. One problem, the game isn’t played on social media. And the Choctaws were ready once the game got started.
As the game got started, neither team could get anything going. The Choctaws turned the ball over on downs on 2 of their first 3 possessions. Montevallo couldn’t get anything going either as the Bulldogs returned the favor. On their third possession, Luke Thompson picked of a Bulldogs pass and returned it to the Choctaws 45 yard line as the first quarter came to an end.
Bibb finally found its groove and behind the throwing of Jordan Leverette and the running of Jay Harris. One of Leverette’s throws was a 32 yard completion to Antonius Steele who made a spectacular catch on the sidelines to give the Choctaws a first and goal at the 3 yard line. Two plays later, Ty Burkes ran 6-yards for the touchdown. Kevin Duran extra point was good giving the Choctaws a 7-0 lead.
Once again the Choctaws defense was having none of what Montevallo was trying to do and forced yet another punt. The Choctaws took over on their own 49 yard line following the punt. Matthew Cash decided to take over the game at this point as he had an 18 yard reception to start the drive. He then had 5 carries for 28 yards, the last one being a 2 yard touchdown plunge. The extra point was no good leaving the score 13-0 in favor of the Choctaws.
Bibb would find the end zone one more time before the half after Steele picked off another Bulldogs pass. Leverette would find Steele open for a 17 yard touchdown catch as the first half came to an end. Cash would carry the ball into the end zone for the 2-point conversion as Bibb took a 21-0 lead into the locker room at halftime.
Montevallo received the kickoff to start the second half and again realized that the Choctaws defense was still as salty as they were in the first half. After three quick plays the Bulldogs were forced to punt from their own 30 yard line. The snap sailed over the punters head. The punter retreated and attempted to pick the bad snap up but was hit at the one yard line and fumbled the football. Lyndon Hood quickly fell on the football in the end zone for the Choctaws for a touchdown. The point after try was no good leaving the score 27-0.
The Bulldogs finally began to move the football on their next drive. As they crossed over into Choctaws territory they found that it wasn’t going to be as easy as it seemed. On a 4th and 23 play, Cash jumped up and intercepted the Bulldogs pass attempt to end the threat at the 2-yard line.
The Choctaws offense would give the defense an extended break as they went on a 9 play, 98 yard touchdown drive. On the second play of the fourth quarter, Leverette hit Ethan McMillan for what seemed to be a 79 yard touchdown reception. Except, the side judge deemed that McMillan had stepped out of bounds at the 29-yard line. Video evidence proved that this wasn’t the case, but unfortunately this game didn’t have instant replay. Harris put the game away when he darted into the end zone for a 12 yard touchdown run. Duran extra point was good making the final score 34-0.
Bibb was able to play its back up players the rest of the way as the game was out of reach and the sidelines had begun to celebrate this huge region win.
The Choctaws defense held the Bulldogs to just 26 yards rushing and 46 yards passing for a total of 72 yards of offense on 44 plays. The Choctaws forced 4 turnovers on the night.
With the shutout, Bibb extended its streak to 10 straight years with at least one shutout.
Bibb had 304 yards of offense on the night. They finished the game with 157 yards rushing and 147 yards passing on the night.
Bibb was led on offense by Leverette who was 9 of 14 for 147 yards and 1 touchdown.
Steele had 3 catches for 56 yards and a touchdown.
Harris finished the night with 84 yards on 17 carries and a touchdown.
On defense, Bibb was led by Ty Burkes and Trashun Griffin with 6 tackles a piece. Griffin also had a sack on the night. Thompson and Xavier Rhine each had 6 tackles.
Thompson, Steele, and Cash each had an interception on the night.
With the win, the Choctaws move to 7-1 on the season, and 5-0 in region play. The Choctaws have wrapped up a home playoff game in round one and need just one more win to clinch the region title.
The Choctaws hit the road this weekend as they travel to Plantersville to play the Dallas County Hornets. Kickoff is at 7 pm.
