Eagleville’s season ends in heartbreak in OT

An up-and-down season for the Eagleville football team ended in heartbreak during the first round of the TSSAA Class 2A playoffs Friday night in Gainesboro.

The Eagles (6-5) lost 14-13 in overtime to Jackson County after the Blue Devils blocked a potential game-tying extra point.

“I’m disappointed that we lost the game tonight but these kids have battled through so much this year,” Eagleville coach Steve Carson said. “I’m as proud of this team as I am of any team I’ve ever coached.

“They had plenty of chances to say, ‘I’m not going to do that’ and they choose not to do that and we ended up having a good season.”

The game entered overtime tied 7-7.

After Jackson County scored on a 6-yard run to start the extra period, Eagleville faced a third-and-18 during its overtime possession.

Quarterback A.J. Garza found receiver Brandon Petrig for the score before the Blue Devils’ blocked kicker Will Vermillion’s point-after attempt.

“I’m just proud of our seniors for sticking this thing out,” Carson said. “They won 35 games here, averaging almost nine wins a season. They’ve left a legacy here and something for our younger kids to build on.

“I hate it for them but they were part of a culture change. When we got here, going 6-5 and making the first round of the playoffs would have been a huge accomplishment. Now, people are disappointed after it and I’m glad because it shows what these kids have done.“