Washington-Wilkes leaned on quarterback Tamari Curry to defeat Lake Oconee Academy 20-13 last Friday.
Curry broke off a long run, evading defenders to score the go-ahead touchdown, giving the Tigers the lead with 3:59 left. On the ensuing drive, their defense rose to the occasion, forcing the Titans to turn the ball over on downs, securing them a trip to the state playoffs with the win.
“Our guys fought extremely hard all night. We hurt ourselves with a turnover and a few missed tackles,” Lake Oconee Academy head coach Patrick Stewart said after the loss. “When you play region games, you just can’t have that; however, the guys never gave up when they faced adversity.”
LOA fought until the final whistle, coming up just short against Washington-Wilkes. Thanks to their special teams unit, the Titans only trailed the Tigers 6-5 after a low-scoring first half.
Leo Inostrosa put LOA up 3-0 with a 24-yard field goal midway through the first quarter. He then pinned Washington-Wilkes back on the kickoff, and a few plays later, the Titans came up with a safety.
In the second quarter, the Tigers took the lead 6-5 as placekicker Emiliano Aburto nailed two field goals. Tailback Dre’vioun Davis scored late in the third quarter, extending their lead 13-5 after the PAT.
LOA didn’t give up, though. The offense put together its only touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter.
Senior running back Cameron Kelley punched it in from four yards out, making it a 13-11. The Titans were forced to attempt a two-point conversion, and Kelley came up big again, tying it up at 13-13.
Unfortunately, Washington-Wilkes made the timely plays, leading it to survive and escape with a win. The offense rushed for 196 yards, with Curry accounting for 133 yards and Davis totaling 75 yards.
The loss to the Tigers ended Lake Oconee Academy’s season. The Titans finished their 2024 campaign with a 5-5 record. They started out 5-0 but lost their final five games.
Stewart is extremely proud of his team, especially after facing adversity at the year's end.
“I am so proud of our team and especially our seniors. Our seniors are leaving a high standard for the underclassmen to try and meet daily,” Stewart said. “They showed them how it’s done, and now the young guys turn. This football team has made a tremendous impact not only on the field but amongst our school and community in such a positive way. I am so proud of them.”