Sophomore Kibler leads Ringgold over Generals in overtime

RINGGOLD, Ga. — It was a legendary night.

And the legend that sprang forth on Don Patterson Field was that of sophomore quarterback Cole Kibler, making only his second varsity start.

Kibler threw one touchdown pass and ran for three scores, including the game-winner in overtime, as the Tigers got off the deck and kept their perfect record against crosstown rival Heritage intact with a 40-34 win before what was easily the largest crowd ever held in the rebuilt stadium.

It was nearly a night of a legendary collapse by the Tigers, who held leads of 20-0 and 26-7 before Corbee Wilson led a determined group of Generals back to take the lead on one of Wilson’s three touchdown passes. In fact, Heritage led 34-26 on a Wilson run and an Alex Ahlyege PAT with just 5:51 left in regulation. But at that point, Kibler grew from a talented youngster to the leader of the Tigers.

Making a pair of 23-yard firstdown throws to Mac Brower and another of 18 yards to Andre Tarver, Kibler guided the Tigers on a 77-yard march, tying the game on his own keeper and a two-point-conversion pass to Brower with 3:04 to play.

The rest of regulation time was filled with uncertain decisions by both teams, but overtime quickly went Ringgold’s way when senior and game captain Brett Halloran made his second fumble recovery of the game, pouncing on a Wilson bobble on the 10-yard line. With it now Ringgold’s turn, a banged-up Ty Jones bulled his way for 6 yards before Kibler ended it with a superb broken-field run.

“He’s grown up in a hurry,” Jones, who twice had to be helped off the field with injuries he termed as “bruises,” said of Kibler. “He’s a tremendous athlete, but he’s also able to motivate us.”

As for the win, Ringgold’s ninth against zero losses against Heritage, Jones could just grin.

“An amazing night,” he said. “It’s a moment you’ll never forget.”

Both quarterbacks has standout nights, as Kibler threw for 212 yards and Wilson collected 216. However, Heritage suffered four turnovers in the game, including two inside Ringgold’s 10-yard line.