Tigers top Rebels for first win of season
Published 10:24 pm Friday, September 16, 2016
Greenville High School’s Bishop Riley returned a punt 76 yards for a touchdown in the Tigers’ 41-7 win over Rehobeth Friday night at Tiger Stadium.
Greenville High School got what it deserved Friday night.
The Tigers, who entered the contest with Class 5A, Region 2 rival Rehobeth High School 0-2, scored their first win of the 2016 campaign — and they did it in convincing fashion.
Greenville (1-2, 1-1) used a bruising ground attack to notch the 41-7 victory.
“That’s what we’ve been working for,” second-year head coach Josh McLendon said. “We had a great week of practice. That’s what our guys deserved for the work they put in. I’m extremely proud of them.”
Greenville staked claim to the lead late in the first quarter when senior running back Dedric Owens barreled his way into the end zone from 5 yards out. Senior Joseph Price added the point after attempt and Greenville led 7-0 with 31 seconds remaining in the first stanza.
Greenville punt returner Bishop Riley gave the Tigers a two-score lead with 10:55 to play in the second quarter when he weaved his way in and out of Rebel defenders for a 76-yard touchdown. The point after attempt failed and Greenville led 13-0.
A 42-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Brandon Simmons to senior wide receiver Malik Bunch and a 15-yard touchdown run by sophomore Aric Boggan gave the Tigers a comfortable 27-0 lead at the intermission.
It was more of the same story in the second half.
Greenville continue to run around and over the Rebels (2-3, 1-2).
Senior running Sir Jalen Scott added a 5-yard touchdown run with 8:19 left to play in the third quarter and Senior Jamarcus Jones capped the Greenville scoring with a 3-yard touchdown run with 11:21 to play in the game. Price booted the extra point attempt through the uprights following each score.
Rehobeth added a late touchdown after Greenville had pulled its starting defense from the game.
Greenville junior defensive back Tyler Lewis prevented a Rehobeth touchdown earlier in the fourth quarter when he out battled a Rebel receiver in the end zone for an interception.
Greenville will be back in action next Friday when it travels to Wetumpka. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
