BROOKLYN – Hayden Grice’s two interceptions were critical in helping Forrest County Agriculture High School shutting out Sumrall 10-0 in a pivotal matchup on the Aggies' senior night.
Grice, a senior, is dubbed the leader of the team. After the game, FCAHS head coach Larry Dolan announced that the team had lost one of their starting corners and had to move Grice, who normally plays safety, into that position.
Grice did not disappoint as both of his interceptions came in pivotal moments.
"Our defensive back coach told me to just keep back peddling on the ball and to make a break on the ball, and I made a break on the ball, twice," Grice said.
Grice’s first interception came after FCAHS's field goal to go up 3-0 in the second quarter.
Sumrall got the ball and drove the ball to the FCAHS 40-yard line when Bobcat quarterback Landon Hawkins launched the ball intended for William Hodges, but instead resulted in Grice's first interception, denying the Bobcats any points.
"Being a leader on this team means a lot," Grice said. "This thing has been a family for generations. My uncles have been leaders here, and it's just a great feeling to be a leader and getting to help my team any way possible."
The second and far more crucial interception came in the fourth quarter. Sumrall was putting its best drive of the night, as the Bobcats drove from their nine-yard line to the FCAHS one-yard line. But after a few penalties, the ball was moved back to the 15-yard line.
Hawkins heaved a throw to the endzone, and Grice intercepted this pass at the one-yard line. This denied Sumrall a chance to tie the game on a field goal.
The Aggies followed the interception with a game-sealing touchdown drive.
"He's our leader," Dolan said. "He's a little guy, and a spark for us. He's just a ball player. He's a safety by heart but had to step in to play corner. I thought he did well."
Hawkins ended the night 4 of 14 with 36 yards passing, two interceptions and a fumble.
For Sumrall, turnovers got in the way of anything they tried to do offensively. All in all, they turned the ball over four times.
The most crucial turnover came late in the game when FCAHS (5-3, 1-2) punted it back to Sumrall (4-5, 1-3) with just under three minutes left. All the Bobcats had to do was drive the ball and attempt a game-tying field goal. Instead, returner Jonathan Nelson, muffed the punt and FCAHS recovered.
The Bobcats had only one first down for the entire first half, and FCAHS's defense stifled any momentum they could get on offense.
"We feel like our defense has been pretty good against the run," Dolan said. "I thought they played their hearts out tonight."
The lone touchdown of the night came when FCAHS quarterback Parks Brock snuck the ball inside the one-yard line with under 30 seconds to go in the game.
"When your best play is a QB sneak it's not a real good night for the offense," Dolan said.
Brock finished the night 6 of 12 with 48 yards passing and a rushing touchdown. The only production for the Aggies came from Terrence Horne, who had 24 carries for 73 yards.
FCAHS will travel to face Lawrence County next week, while Sumrall will enjoy a bye before the start of postseason play.
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