Pickens County Beats Aliceville

Pickens County defeated  Aliceville in a close fought game, 8-6.

Get our free mobile app

In spite of a kick-off delay due to extreme heat, the season opening game between Pickens County High School and Aliceville High School was one hot, long, and exhausting battle. While Aliceville scored on its first possession, a 20-yard scramble by Tyquan Simon, the extra point attempt was blocked and the sole touchdown would end up being the team's only score. After that brief burst of offense at the beginning of the game, everything seemed to slow down.

Yellow flags had a prominent role In the first half; nearly every other play was accompanied by a penalty flag and exasperation grew on both sidelines—which of course only resulted in more penalties. Both offenses stagnated, with one or two yard runs and screen passes for a loss repeatedly taking place. Neither side was willing to give an inch, and at the half, the score remained 6-0 in Aliceville’s favor.

When the second half began, it seemed as if it would be more of the same. The first few possessions were defined by more penalties and quarterbacks sacked for a loss. Midway through the third quarter, however, Pickens County's quarterback had to come out of the game, leaving the second stringer at the head of the offense. At the end of his drive, quarterback Kemaurion Plott scrambled 25 yards for the touchdown. After the game, Pickens County head coach Michael Williams admitted that the intended play fell apart and Plott scored on his own initiative.

"That’s what he does. He’s a play maker,” said Williams. The home crowd erupted and using this momentum, the Tornados decided to go for a two-point conversion that was successful.

Now up 8-6, throughout the fourth quarter Pickens County repeatedly fended off fierce drives from Aliceville, and with two minutes left in the game, halted a fourth down conversion attempt from Aliceville in the red zone. The home team’s sideline was at a place of pure joy and the rest of the game was simply a matter of running down the clock. Despite the sweltering heat, both teams put up a gritty performance that surely left both coaches with a good feeling going into the new season.

Tide 100.9's high school football coverage is brought to you by Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers.