The annual rivalry game between the Tallulah Academy Trojans and the Briarfield Academy Rebels served as this year's season opener for both teams Friday night in Lake Providence, and the contest lived up to its billing, with the Rebels eking out a 28-14 victory that was closer than the final score indicated.
Both teams fought wet conditions and the constant flare up of cramps through four hard-fought quarters that saw the Trojans strike first with a long run from senior back Paul Michael Machen giving TA an 8-0 lead on the first play of the second period. The Rebels responded with a pick-six, but the Trojans defense held strong, preventing a Briarfield 2-point conversion and hanging on to a 2-point lead midway through the second quarter.
The Trojans took to the air late in the first half, extending its lead with 19 seconds before halftime as quarterback Dee Morgan found Cade Morgan in the end zone, giving TA a 14-6 advantage heading into the break.
With just over two minutes to play in the third, Briarfield would even things up at 14-all, taking a TA punt in for a score and tacking on two more points on the ground.
Two fourth quarter scores from the Rebels, including a scoop-and-score off a TA fumble with five seconds left in the game, cemented the Briarfield win.
For the complete story on Friday's season opener, including more photos from the game, pick up a copy of the Thurs., Aug. 26, edition of the Madison Journal.
