By Matt Cole
The Demopolis Times

The Greenville Tigers traveled to Demopolis for a Class 5A, Region 3 rivalry game, and the visiting Tigers came away with an 18-16 win.

Demopolis had their chances as the game came to a close, but the Greenville defense held just enough to secure the victory.

“We really needed a win and some confidence going forward,” Greenville head coach Earnest Hill said. “I’m really happy for our kids. They played great tonight.”

Greenville received the ball to open the game, but Demopolis forced a punt after a bad snap put Greenville in a long distance situation.

Demopolis capitalized on their first drive after starting from their own 13-yard line. Roderick Davis capped off the 87-yard drive with a two-yard touchdown run to put the home team on top 7-0.

On the ensuing kickoff, Michael Smith returned the kickoff 90 yards for Greenville down to the Demopolis 7-yard line. Two plays later, Alyric Posey got into the end zone on a three-yard run. Winston Simms missed the extra point, and Demopolis led 7-6 with 6:33 to play in the opening quarter.

Greenville forced a Demopolis punt on the next drive and drove 81 yards down the field on a drive capped off by a one-yard touchdown run by Jerome Watkins. The Tigers failed the two-point conversion and led Demopolis 12-7 as the first quarter drew to a close.

Early in the fourth quarter, Demetrius Kemp fumbled after making a reception and Greenville recovered at their own 39-yard line.

Greenville drove down to the Demopolis 23, but the defense stood strong to force a fourth-and-12 from the 25. Greenville lobbed a pass to the end zone that was intercepted by Kemp, but pass interference was called on Tyler Perkins, giving Greenville an automatic first down at the 10 yard line. On the next play, Greenville quarterback Draylen McGrew scored on a quarterback keeper. The two-point conversion failed, and Greenville led 18-14 with 6:23 remaining in the game.

Demopolis took over and began moving the ball into Greenville territory as time was running down. Greenville forced Demopolis into a fourth-and-14 situation, but Tyler Oates’ pass was intercepted at the 3-yard line by DeBryant Crenshaw with under three minutes to play.

On third-and-10 from the 3, Hollis Bright exploded through the Greenville offensive line for a sack and a safety to bring Demopolis within two at 18-16.  After its final drive stalled, Demopolis kicker Leif Midgorden trotted out onto the field for a 44-yard field goal attempt. His kick fell five yards short, sealing the win for Greenville (3-3, 3-1).