Tuscaloosa, AL – Central High School made an unforgettable comeback, defeating Tuscaloosa County 31-28 with a field goal in the final seconds to seal a dramatic victory.

The game started with a burst of energy from Tuscaloosa County when KJ Jackson took a screen pass into the end zone to put the Wildcats first on the scoreboard. After a successful PAT, they took a 7-0 lead less than three minutes into the game. The Wildcats extended their lead early in the second quarter when Braeden Smith completed a 62-yard touchdown pass to Austin Cherry to make it 14-0.

Central responded with a 17-yard touchdown run by quarterback Armani White that cut the Wildcats’ lead to 14-7. Tuscaloosa County quickly responded, however, with Carter Dotson finding Kelton Norfleet for a 36-yard touchdown pass that gave the Wildcats a 21-7 lead going into halftime.

Early in the second half, KJ Jackson again fired up the Wildcats’ offense with a stunning 76-yard touchdown run, increasing the lead to 28-7. But Central wouldn’t buckle. White scored his second touchdown on a designed run, cutting the deficit to 28-14 with just over three minutes left in the third quarter. The momentum swung further in Central’s favor when White broke free for a 44-yard touchdown run, bringing Central within one point, 28-21.

The game took a dramatic turn when Central executed a thrilling punt return that brought them to the Wildcats’ 1-yard line. Zavion Cade converted the ball to tie the game at 28-28 with nine minutes left in the fourth quarter.

With time running out, Central orchestrated one last attack and set up a field goal attempt in the final seconds. Graham Wolf stepped up and converted the 31-yard kick with 15.3 seconds left, securing the 31-28 victory for Central.

The win was a testament to Central’s resilience as they overcame a 21-point deficit to secure the win. For Tuscaloosa County, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow after a strong start.

In the end, it was Central’s determination and convincing performance that made the difference and the team celebrated a victory that will go down as one of the most memorable in recent history.

WVUA23 Corliss Dukes