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The McKenzie Tigers secured a thrilling 80-78 victory over the Elba Tigers Friday in a marathon game that extended into four overtimes. The high-scoring Sept. 6 matchup, which featured standout performances on both sides, could be remembered as one of the most exciting in McKenzie High School’s history.

McKenzie head coach Jeff Bradford praised his opponents but expressed confidence in his team before the game. 

“They’ve got a really good football team,” Bradford said. “The coach over there does an outstanding job, and they’ve probably got the number one running back in the state but I like our chances. We’re going to go over there and give them everything we’ve got and see what happens.”

McKenzie quarterback Quay Jackson led the charge with a stunning nine total touchdowns, including a 35-yard rushing touchdown in the second overtime and a crucial pass to Skylar Sanders to keep the Tigers in the game. Jackson averages 3.3 passing touchdowns per game and threw for 345 yards against Elba.

Sanders finished with four touchdowns, picking up 180 receiving yards while Ayden Willsey added two of his own. 

Elba’s Auburn commit Alvin Henderson also put on an impressive show, scoring ten touchdowns to keep his team in contention throughout the night. Despite his heroic effort, the McKenzie defense held firm in the final moments, securing the win for the Tigers.

“Coach Bradford did a great job and had his team well prepared,” said Elba head coach Marc Sieving. “You can definitely see a change since he’s taken over. This is the best McKenzie we’ve ever faced. It was disappointing for us, of course, but you learn from your losses.”

The Tigers’ win tied the record for the most points scored in a single game in McKenzie High School history.

Now at 3-0, McKenzie prepares to face off against Georgiana on home turf Friday.