Staff Reports

ANNISTON – The Cedar Bluff Tigers have been no strangers to playing close football games this season.

Going into Friday night’s non-region contest at Donoho, the Tigers had played in four games decided by a touchdown or less. They experienced their fifth on Friday, and it ended their season.

Donoho quarterback Kai Cleckler connected with Phoenix Rainey on a 34-yard touchdown pass with just over a minute remaining in the game, lifting the Falcons to a 28-21 victory.

The loss ended Cedar Bluff’s hopes of making the postseason and snapped a 10-year playoff streak. The Tigers finished the season at 3-7.

After a scoreless first quarter, Cleckler put Donoho (5-5) on the board with his 27-yard touchdown pass to William Hayes Farrell. The extra point gave the Falcons a 7-0 lead.

Cedar Bluff countered with Hunter Jenkins’ 30-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 7. The Tigers then took a 13-7 advantage on an 11-yard run by Hunter Stallings late in the second quarter.

Cedar Bluff extended its lead to 21-7 in the third quarter on an 18-yard run by Kadien Tracy and ensuing 2-point conversion by Jenkins, but the Falcons rallied to tie the game on Cleckler’s 10-yard touchdown toss to James Benkwith and a 6-yard scoring run by Farrell.

That set the stage for the Cleckler’s game-winning touchdown pass to Rainey.

The Falcons will play in the Class 1A state playoffs on Friday at Appalachian.