Tigers win season opener on the road, defeat Ridgeland 20-13

Neither team scored in the fourth quarter Friday night, but the final period held the most important offensive series of the night for the Adairsville football team. The Tigers’ offense used a 13-play drive of just over seven minutes in the fourth quarter to secure a 20-13 season opening win at Ridgeland.

Ridgeland scored on a four-yard touchdown run by Cadarious Word early in the second quarter to cap a 70-plus yard drive. Word’s touchdown matched an earlier score by Adairsville’s Sidnee Johnson to even the score at 7-7.

The Panthers also hit paydirt on a 28-yard run by Jaylin Shelton in the third quarter that cut Adairsville’s lead to 17-13. Shelton was a workhorse for the Panthers on the night. He finished with 134 yards rushing on 28 attempts.

Adairsville place kicker, C.J. Jackson, connected on a long 45-yard field goal in second period to give the Tigers a 10-7 lead and a 28-yard field goal in the third that made the score 20-13.

Torrey Hale had 79 yards rushing on 7 carries for Adairsville including a 41 yard scamper that set up the Tigers’ third period field goal.

Dallas Cannon added 26 yards rushing for Adairsville and Sidnee Johnson (photo) finished the night with 25 carries for 155 yards and two touchdowns.

Hayden Morrow had a key interception early in the third quarter to set up an Adairsville score and quarterback Roger Redd had an effective night as the Tigers’ signal caller. Adairsville hosts Woodland next Thursday (Aug 27) with a 7:30pm kickoff. Bartow Sports Zone’s live coverage will begin at 7:05pm with the Renasant Bank Pre-Game Show. Fans may listen on AM1270 WYXC, on www.bartowsportszone.com, or on TuneIn.com with the TuneIn app.

For more on Adairsville's win, see Jason Greenberg's article, 'Tigers outpound Ridgeland to take 20-13 win on road,' at The Daily Tribune News.