By Mike Goodson/Sports Correspondent
West End recognized its seniors during the pre-game of last Friday’s (Oct. 23) contest against Sumiton Christian.
Hunter Tarvin must have enjoyed the attention, as the senior receiver’s name was called throughout the first half. He caught two touchdown passes and a two-point conversion as the Patriots (5-4, 2-4) built a 21-6 halftime lead on the way to a 42-10 victory in Walnut Grove.
West End amassed 419 yards in total offense.
“We overcame six turnovers tonight and now have a chance to finish 6-4,” said West End head coach Kyle Davis. “I’m proud of our guys for the steps we’ve made.”
Tarvin’s first score came on a 6-yard reception from Hunter Grant with 7:11 to go in the opening period. The play capped an 87-yard, 6-play drive. The PAT was no good but West End led 6-0.
Tarvin hauled in his second touchdown reception, this one from 16 yards out, with 11:54 to go in the first half. The scoring drive covered 51 yards in six plays. Tarvin hauled in the two-point conversion pass and West End was up 14-0.
The Pats cashed in again six minutes later with Dustin Goodwin catching an 18-yard touchdown pass. Payne Stancil booted the PAT for a 21-0 lead.
However, three West End interceptions kept the game close and set up Sumiton Christian’s lone first-half score. Joshua Yates fired a 38-yard touchdown pass to Caleb Headrick as the clock expired to make the halftime score 21-6.
Stancil returned the second half kickoff 65 yards for a touchdown. He converted the PAT for a 28-6 lead six seconds into the third quarter.
West End put together a four-play, 22-yard scoring drive with 10:22 to go in the game, with Hunter Grant scoring on a 3-yard run.
The Patriots added a 7-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to go up 42-6 when Hunter Grant passed 20 yards to Gage Lankford for the score.
The Eagles added a consolation score with 1:44 remaining when Joshua Yates scored on a 1-yard run.
Grant was 13-of-20 passing for 218 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed eight times for 90 yards and one touchdown.
The Patriots end their season on Thursday (Oct. 29) at Appalachian.