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Vincent’s second-half improvements culminated in a touchdown catch and defensive stop from Phoenix Maxwell for the Jackets’ first win over B.B. Comer since 2014. (For the Reporter/Markee Canada)

By NIC YOUNG | Special to the Reporter

VINCENT – The Vincent Yellow Jackets are off to a 2-0 start with a remarkable win on Friday, Aug. 30, taking down the B.B. Comer Tigers, 21-18 in a matchup decided in the game’s final seconds.

“We have some character and resolve,” Vincent head coach Lucas Weatherford said. “We’re not going to give up when our backs are against the wall, we’re going to find our way out for a chance to win.”

The game got off to a slow start with the first quarter ending in a 0-0 tie.

The first score of the night came off a touchdown run from B.B. Comer receiver Richard Reed from 2 yards out to give the Tigers a 6-0 lead early in the second quarter.

The Yellow Jackets’ offense took no time to respond. They began at their own 33-yard line and marched all the way down the field before Aiden Gasaway finished the drive with a 4-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 6-6.

The two teams exchanged empty possessions for the majority of the second quarter, with little action happening until the waning minutes of the half.

With less than a minute to go in the half, Comer quarterback Raelon Sims delivered a 65-yard touchdown strike to receiver Michael Kirksey to give the Tigers a 12-6 lead heading into the half.

That momentum carried into the second half for the visitors. On their opening possession of the half, B.B. Comer leaned into its rushing attack to drive to the Yellow Jackets’ 30-yard line before facing a fourth-down situation.

Vincent managed to force the Tigers to turn the ball over on downs, however, a penalty for roughing the passer extended B.B. Comer’s offensive drive.

The Tigers took full advantage with Tristan Garrett punching in a score from the 10-yard line to extend the lead to 18-6 midway through the third quarter.

Following a punt by Vincent, B.B. Comer embarked on another lengthy offensive drive, making it to the Yellow Jacket 15-yard line before finding themselves in a fourth down situation. The Vincent defensive stood tall for the first of two huge stops in the fourth quarter, forcing an incompletion to take over possession early in the fourth quarter and begin a comeback.

The Yellow Jackets quickly made the most of this opportunity as quarterback Casen Fields hit receiver Landon Archer for an 81-yard touchdown to cut the Tigers’ lead to 18-13.

B.B. Comer appeared poised to respond, putting together a drive that reached the Vincent 2-yard line before facing yet another fourth down situation. Once again, the Jackets’ defense remained stout and forced the Tigers to give the ball up for a second straight possession.

Beginning at their own 8-yard line with less than four minutes to play, Vincent had its work cut out for it. The rushing efforts of Fields and running back Jayden Roberts played an integral part in the Jackets’ march to the Tiger 6-yard line.

With less than a minute and time ticking away, Fields rolled to his left and delivered a touchdown strike to Phoenix Maxwell to give Vincent its first lead of the night. A successful 2-point attempt gave the Yellow Jackets a 21-18 lead with 34 seconds left in regulation.

The two-minute offense of B.B. Comer pieced together a nice drive before a sack by Vincent defensive lineman Zahmir McMillian put the Tigers in a pivotal fourth and long situation.

After making the go-ahead play on offense, Phoenix Maxwell sealed the deal on the defensive end, intercepting the game’s final pass to give Vincent the victory.

According to Weatherford, the Yellow Jackets’ comeback victory is an indication of the mindset his team has.

Weatherford also praised his quarterback Fields after he finished the night with 144 passing yards to go along with a pair of touchdown passes. He also added 67 yards on the ground.

“No. 5 was the warrior for us tonight,” Weatherford said. “He carried us on his back.”

Vincent will have a bye next week before taking on Lamar County on Sept. 13.

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