And Friday night’s impressive performance on the road at Chattooga certainly cemented that fact.
Tommy Harris kicked a 42-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter to lift Armuchee (4-1) to a 15-14 upset over No. 10 Chattooga (3-1) at Little Big Horn — possibly the Tribe’s biggest win in a decade.
“It was a great win for our school, and the No. 1 thing is it was a great win for these kids,” said proud Armuchee coach John Mullinax. “They really came together and worked hard and believed in each other.
“This is the best win we’ve had around here in, I guarantee you, probably 10 years.”
Davante Hudson and Jake Schmidt each had touchdowns for the Indians, and Armuchee gave up just one offensive score to the talented Chattooga offense, a 17-yard TD pass from Jerod Nelson to Immanni Christopher.
The other Chattooga TD was a fumble return by Ryan Hamilton.
“Our defensive football team played probably the best game we’ve played in the five years I’ve been here,” Mullinax said. “We didn’t let them score on a big play. They weren’t able to do that tonight.
“We told the team all week ‘If you get us into the fourth quarter, we can win this thing,’” he added. “That’s what they did. They kept it close and we were able to find a way to win. The way our kids came back and played this week — it’s one of the gutsiest performances we’ve had.”
Nelson’s TD pass and Hamilton’s fumble return gave Chattooga a 14-6 halftime lead. In the third quarter, Smith scored from 9 yards out to make it 14-12, but Armuchee’s two-point conversion attempt failed.
This left the visitors down a point going into the fourth quarter, and Armuchee finally broke through with a drive that reached the Chattooga 25 yard line.
That’s when Harris stepped up and booted the 42-yard field goal that provided the winning points.
“To lose to our big rival (a 15-7 loss to Model last week), and then upset the No. 10 team in the state when nobody gave us a chance, this was a big win,” Mullinax said.
Senorise Perry had 106 yards rushing on 16 carries for Chattooga, while Olajuwon Blair had 60 yards receiving. Nelson and Rashad Ramsey combined for 91 yards passing for Chattooga, which travels to Sonoraville next Friday.
Armuchee will prepare for another big test, hosting No. 4 Pepperell (4-0) next Friday.
We were out coached last night. Our boys showed up, played hard but so did Armurchee neither team gave up, it was good nail biter that is for sure. Chattooga could have won this game if the decision to make field goals instead of going for touchdowns would have been taken.Not just once but 3 times.
I hope our young men get a stern talking to in regards to after game behavior, while in uniform on the field. It's not all about winning. Senorise Perry showed great sportsmanship he is not only a stellar athelete but a role model.
on other notes...the band was much improved to our delight.
cheerleaders...well I can say at least some of the JV squad understood what was happening on the field. Even though this squad can do robotic cheers they can't lead a chant or motivate the crowd. They should really have taken lessons for Armuchee last night.
I think school spirit has to be encouraged by their leaders/coaches and directors. Who for some reason no longer promote school spirit or pride.
GET FIRED UP CHATTOOGA!!!