DUNLAP, Tenn. — After helping the Sequatchie County football program to its first postseason victory since 2018, junior quarterback Sam Evitts credited the offseason work the Indians put in as a key to their success.
That extra preparation helped make possible a nearly 13-minute scoring drive late in Friday's 30-26 win over Tyner in the first round of the TSSAA Class 3A playoffs.
"I am so proud of all these guys," said Evitts, who has thrown 19 touchdown passes this season. "To win this home playoff game means so much to all of us. We have wanted this so bad since January, when we were out here in the cold throwing and running routes. This team really wanted this and has worked so hard for a moment like this."
Evitts made big plays throughout the game, including two first-half scores on a 32-yard deep touchdown pass to Braylon Long after a pump fake, and a 40-yard dime down the middle over two defenders to Jackson Tate.
(READ MORE: Final scores and photos from Friday night's Chattanooga-area prep football games)
It was on the crucial third and fourth downs where Evitts and his team stepped up the most to pull out the victory, as he passed for a key fourth-down conversion on the go-ahead scoring drive and two third-and-long conversions of 18 and 14 yards on the Indians' final scoring drive to take a 30-20 lead with 2:28 left.
Sequatchie County (7-4) got two touchdown runs from freshman Kason Hicks, covering 7 and 3 yards, while his backup Tripp Stewart had a key fourth-down conversion to help set up a field goal late.
"All we have been talking about is winning in November," Indians coach Rusty McIntyre said. "All of our workouts and the tough schedule we had prepared us for this moment. When you set goals and you put your nose down and go to work, you can achieve anything."
Tyner (4-7) did not go down without a fight as senior Jamarie Ballard picked up his fourth touchdown with 58 seconds left on a pass to senior Quincy McKinley. Ballard also had a 25-yard touchdown pass to senior Biship Smith to help make for a 20-20 tie at halftime.
"We have a lot to be proud of," Rams coach Christian Mainor said. "We came one possession away from winning a region title, and we responded to a lot of adversity this year and didn't make excuses. I wouldn't want to ride with anybody else. These six seniors gave their all for this team."
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com.