FROM STAFF REPORTS
FORT PAYNE — The Boaz Pirates escaped Wildcat Stadium on Friday night with a close 28-21 victory over the Fort Payne Wildcats. The Pirates were led by big offensive performances from their top stars in Beau Bennett and Sage Bennett. Beau would total 253 passing yards and three touchdowns while Sage caught six passes for 148 yards and a touchdown against the Wildcats.
With the win over the Wildcats, the Pirates clinch a playoff spot for their ninth consecutive season. Boaz improved to 6-1 overall and a perfect 5-0 in Class 5A, Region 8 play. Fort Payne fell to 2-5 overall and 2-3 in region play.
The Pirates kicked off the scoring with the Bennett duo connecting for a 75-yard touchdown to put Boaz ahead 7-0.
Fort Payne would answer back midway through the first quarter as Elijah Boggs would run in a 10-yard touchdown to tie the game at 7 apiece.
In the second quarter, Boaz running back Dayton Porter would rush in a 4-yard score to put Boaz ahead 14-7 at halftime.
To start the third quarter, the Wildcats would fight back with another tie that was produced by a 5-yard touchdown run by Kaiden Adams.
Before the end of the third quarter, Boaz reclaimed their lead with Bennett connecting with Jay Patterson on a 28-yard touchdown pass. Beau and Patterson would connect again in the fourth quarter on a 2-yard catch to put Boaz ahead 28-14.
With 3:20 to go in the fourth quarter, Fort Payne would make things interesting as Adams would score his second touchdown of the night to cut Boaz’s lead to 28-21.
The Wildcats would get the ball back with 1:56 remaining on the clock. On the last play of the game, the Wildcats would come up short on an incomplete pass to give Boaz the 28-21 victory.
Other notable performances for Boaz were Porter who finished with 19 carries for 52 yards and a touchdown. Patterson caught five passes for 98 yards and two touchdowns.
Fort Payne would be led by Adams who rushed 21 times for 112 yards and two touchdowns. Boggs ran 19 times for 90 yards and a touchdown. William Vinson completed 12-23 for 119 yards.
Boaz will face their toughest region test next week when they host the Arab Knights.
Fort Payne will look to rebound next week as they host the Douglas Eagles.
Boaz receiver Jay Patterson (1) hauls in a long pass from fellow receiver Sage Bennett during first half action against Fort Payne. PATRICK GRAHAM l The Leader
