By Joe L. Powell and Ke’Undra Cox

BUTLER, Ala. — Greene County High School opened its season with a statement Friday night, overcoming an early two-touchdown deficit to defeat Choctaw High School, 22–14, on the road.

Choctaw controlled the opening quarter and appeared poised to run away with the game early. With 6:12 remaining in the first, quarterback Roderick Crawford connected with Miles Ray on a 40-yard touchdown pass. The Tigers’ two-point conversion attempt failed, giving Choctaw a 6–0 advantage.

The home team struck again with 1:39 left in the quarter when Tracey Poke broke free for an 80-yard touchdown run. Crawford followed with a successful two-point conversion, extending Choctaw’s lead to 14–0.

But Greene County refused to fold.

The Tigers’ comeback began on special teams with 9:30 remaining in the second quarter. Eric Williams blocked a Choctaw punt, resulting in a safety and putting Greene County on the board. Greene County’s offense then found its rhythm.

With 7:10 remaining before halftime, quarterback Prentice Taylor Jr. kept the ball and raced eight yards for the Tigers’ first touchdown. The two-point attempt was unsuccessful, but Greene County had cut the deficit to 14–8.

Less than a minute later, Taylor struck again—this time through the air. With 6:51 remaining, he connected with Cornelius Hunter for a 10-yard touchdown pass. Another unsuccessful two-point attempt left the game tied at 14.

The Tigers continued to apply pressure as the quarter progressed. With 4:20 remaining on the clock, Taylor broke loose on a 28-yard quarterback keeper, helping set up a one-yard scoring opportunity as Greene County completed its turnaround.

After surrendering 14 unanswered points in the opening quarter, Greene County’s defense shut Choctaw out the rest of the way as the Tigers secured the 22–14 victory.

Taylor Leads Greene County Offense
Taylor turned in a strong performance under center, completing 14 of 23 passes for 174 yards while also making an impact with his legs.

Chance Richardson accounted for 92 receiving yards, Javeon Carpenter added 50 yards and Quentin Walton finished with 28. On the ground, Rodney Banks carried the ball six times for 49 yards, while Walton added 30 yards on two carries.

Greene County also made several game-changing plays defensively and on special teams. Cornelius Hunter returned an interception 35 yards, while Roderick Bulock recorded one solo tackle and seven assists. Lathuren Peebles contributed one solo tackle, six assists and a sack, and Javeon Carpenter added five assists along with a blocked punt.

The victory gives Greene County an impressive start to the season, not simply because of the final score, but because of how the Tigers responded after falling behind 14–0.

Greene County will return to the road for its next matchup against Dallas County High School, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m.

Featured Image: Greene County High School Tigers at their opening season game vs Choctaw High School’s Yellowjackets (Joe Powell and Ke’Undra Cox)