Tigers fall on road in triple overtime
Darlington’s Elijah McKoy runs through the Mt. Zion defense during Friday’s game.
The Mt. Zion Eagles maintained their perfect record after defeating Darlington in triple overtime on Friday night. The Eagles (5-0, 2-0 Region 6A-A) prevailed with a 25-17 win.
Darlington lost more than just the game with Tijai Whatley was injured and taken off on a stretcher during the game.
Elijah McKoy would lead the Tigers (4 -2, 2-1) with 92 rushing yards and one touchdown.
The highly anticipated matchup proved to be a defensive battle for both teams, neither scoring a touchdown during regulation. Eagles’ kicker Matthew Tittle scored a 24-yard field goal just before the end of the first half. Darlington kicker Sam Berry tied the game with a 23-yard field goal with 4:54 left in regulation after being set up by a 20-yard reception by Elijah Ball and two fourth down conversions.
With four seconds left to go in the game the Eagles then missed a 23yard field goal, sending the two teams into overtime.
Jace Jordan set the tone in overtime scoring the first touchdown with a 2-yard rush.
Darlington quickly answered with quarterback Cameron Evans hitting his receiver Mason Tant for a 15-yard touchdown through the air, sending the teams into double overtime.
With the next possession, Darlington took the lead with an eight-yard touchdown run from Melanie Boyd / Times-Georgian McKoy. This score was answered with another rushing touchdown by Jordan, sending the teams into triple overtime.
The Eagles took the lead for good with a Richard Farley touchdown run, and they would add to the lead with a two-point conversion.. Darlington was unable to answer as Evans ended an interception.
“The offensive line took charge and the backs gave it their all. The backs were determined that they would not be stopped.” Mt. Zion coach Keith Holloway said.
Darlington attempts to rebound next week when it returns home to play North Cobb Christian. North Cobb had a bye week this Friday, but has not won a game all season.