By JORDON SEMIEN/For the Reporter

VINCENT — The Vincent High Yellow Jackets fought for all four quarters of their Oct. 25 senior night game, but fell to the Bobcats of Woodland 45-26.

The cold weather didn’t stop the Jackets from getting a quick start to the game, scoring their first points off a Jace Greene fumble recovery returned from the Vincent 24 for a touchdown and a 6-0 lead after a blocked P.A.T.

Woodland took over at its own 33 and quickly went three and out, punting to Vincent 32. After a 1-yard loss on a scramble, senior quarterback Michael Gilham found Greene far behind the Bobcat defense for a 69-yard passing touchdown; a successful two-point conversion brought the score to 14-0 at the end of the first quarter.

Woodland would find its rhythm with just under seven minutes left to play in the half, scoring their first points on a 1-yard carry, capping off a 58-yard drive and bring the score to 12-8. The Bobcats would strike again with two minutes in the second half with a quarterback keeper from the Yellow Jacket 1-yard line for their first lead of the ball game, 16-14. An interception on Gilham gave Woodland the ball in prime real estate, as they added another eight points on a 2-yard run with 42 seconds left for a 22-12 lead.

Vincent responded on their first possession of the second half, scoring on a 31-yard pass from Gilham to Rodney Groce for a score of 22-20. Woodland promptly marched down the field without facing a single third down, scoring by way of a 17-yard keeper for a ten point lead, 30-20.

Vincent managed to keep the scoring battle going on a 45-yard Gilham bomb to Groce for a score of 30-26 after the failed two-point conversion. But those would be the last points Vincent would score as Woodland went on to add points on a 2-yard run and a 37-yard carry for a final score of 45-26.

After the game, head coach Jason Hill expressed his disappointment with the loss.

“I just hope that we’re mature enough to handle next week with dignity and integrity and make sure that we handle our business,” he said. “It’s absolutely important to me. I know I haven’t been with these seniors since June, but they hold a special place in my heart. I really do want to send them out with a win.”

The Yellow Jackets will travel south for a showdown with county rival Montevallo Bulldogs on Halloween night. The kick is slated for 7:00pm.