By Gary Thomas

 

Coach Bobby Hudson and the 5-and-5 Luverne Tigers hit the road this week traveling 103 miles to Uriah to do battle with the 7-4 JV Blacksher Bulldogs in the first round of the AHSAA 2A state playoffs. The Tigers came away with a thrilling 23-19 win, extending their 2024 Season and advancing into the second round of football action.

With a minute left in the game, and the Tigers trailing 19 to 16, quarterback Kane Smith hit running back freshman Elliott Harris on a five-yard dump pass. Harris raced seven yards for the game-winning touchdown with just 39 seconds showing on the clock.

Things were not that easy for the Tigers in this seesaw contest as the Bulldogs drove 90 yards in 17 plays in the first quarter to go up 6 to 0. Luverne answered the score with Smith bulldozing his way from two yards for the Tigers tying the score at 6-6.

Late in the second quarter with the ball at the Bulldog two-yard line, Alijah Hurst sacked the Bulldog running back in the end zone to put Lyverne up 8 to 6.

Blacksher scored a late touchdown in the second quarter to give them a 12 to 8 lead heading into the locker room. Coming off halftime, Luverne took a 16-12 lead midway of the third quarter when Harris notched his second touchdown of the game.

Once again, the Bulldogs answered the Tiger score when they took a 19-16 lead early in the fourth quarter. The Dog drive was kept alive when a Tiger linebacker got a late flag on a roughing penalty call. But in the last minute of the game, Luverne prevailed and the final score was Luverne 23, Blacksher 19.

The Tigers will host this Friday night, facing off against the fourth ranked, 10-and-1 Reeltown Rebels at 7 p.m. at Glenn Daniel Stadium.