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The Calhoun School hosted Keith Friday, fighting hard but sustaining a narrow 10-8 loss to the Bears.

Tigers’ head coach Ervin Starr expressed pride in the team, which held their own against the larger school.

“We knew going in they were going to be a physical team,” Starr said. “I think we did a great job, especially with a ninth-grade quarterback, Robert Sellers, Jr. We have a lot of young guys who haven’t been out there before. So, I was proud of that.”

Keith elected to receive the ball first and placed the first points on the board when linebacker-tight end Jarius Sanders caught a touchdown pass in the end zone. After a successful two-point conversion, the Bears tagged a safety on Sellers on the next turnover, bringing the score to 10-0 at the end of the first quarter.

A second-quarter fumble recovery by Calhoun saw the Tigers looking for a first touchdown and track star Keonte Abrams delivered with a 17-yard run to the end zone. With a good two-point conversion, the Tigers trailed at the Bears’ heels, ending the half just behind at 10-8.

Starr pointed out that the lines were weak on the offensive line.

“We didn’t block well at all, especially in the first half,” he said. “We didn’t give ourselves a chance to move the ball down the field, then we were having good drives, but untimely penalties kept pushing us back.”

No gains were made in the third quarter. Late in the fourth quarter, Keith controlled the clock with a strong ground game. Abrams gained a first down with one minute left in the game, but it was not enough to get the two points Calhoun needed to close the gap.

Keith coach Anthony Lumpkin said the game did not turn out like they were expecting. However, Sanders stepped up and made plays when they needed them.

“We have to clean up some things, like the mental mistakes like jumping offside on critical downs like third and short,” Lumpkin said. “Well, 14, I ride him hard. I don’t give him the credit that he deserves. But he’s a standout player, and he’s just been that type for us for the last three years. And, you know, he just stepped up, made a big play for us tonight. 

The Tigers will host Autaugaville on Aug. 30 and Starr said he aims to be ready.

“We’ve got to clean up and be just as disciplined as the team we play,” Starr said. “They gave themselves a chance to win because they didn’t make all those penalties. We have a good week of practice ahead and look forward to hosting Autaugaville.”