Tigers drop hard-fought battle with Pepperell

August 23, 2025

Ezequiel Carter makes a successful run against the Dragons.

ADAIRSVILLE, GA — The Adairsville Tigers battled the Pepperell Dragons in a non-region high school football matchup Friday night, but a series of turnovers and an unusual play in the fourth quarter led to a 31-17 defeat for the Tigers. Despite a valiant effort, Adairsville couldn’t overcome Pepperell’s late surge, dropping the game in front of a passionate home crowd.

The game started with a setback for Adairsville as quarterback Braxton Elrod fumbled on the Tigers’ first possession, giving Pepperell the ball at the AHS 36-yard line. The Dragons capitalized in the second quarter with a 9-play, 36-yard drive, culminating in a 12-yard touchdown pass from Moss Tant to Sam Ross. Spencer Baker’s PAT made it 7-0.

Adairsville quickly responded when running back Ezequiel Carter powered through for a 1-yard touchdown run following a rapid 2-play, 70-yard drive. Souders’ PAT leveled the score at 7-7 with 10:31 left in the half. Carter set up his own touchdown with a 69-yard run on the first play. The Tigers’ defense later made an impact in the period by stopping two Pepperell scoring threats. Colt Sanford intercepted Tant at the Adairsville 21-yard line at the 9:22 mark, and Micah Pittman picked off another pass at the 18 with 4:51 remaining in the half.

Adairsville gained some momentum before halftime with a 9-play, 82-yard march. Elrod connected with Sanford for a 21-yard touchdown pass, putting the Tigers ahead 14-7. Pepperell responded, however, with a 31-yard field goal by Baker that reduced the deficit to 14-10 at halftime.

In the third quarter, Adairsville extended its lead with a 42-yard field goal from Souders, making it 17-10. Pepperell’s Tant fumbled at the AHS 1-yard line, squandering a scoring opportunity, but the Dragons clawed back with a 2-yard touchdown run by Tant. A blocked PAT by the Tigers’ Westin Crisp kept the score at 17-16.

The fourth quarter proved decisive, and an unusual play at 5:48 shifted the game's momentum.

Adairsville blocked Pepperell’s 26-yard field goal attempt, but the Dragons recovered the ball past the line to gain and were awarded a first down. On the following play, Sam Ross tossed a 7-yard touchdown and completed a two-point conversion, putting Pepperell ahead 24-17. The Dragons secured the victory on their subsequent possession with a 9-play, 41-yard drive, culminating in Ross’s 1-yard touchdown run, and Baker’s PAT extended the lead to 31-17. 

Adairsville’s final chance ended when Elrod was intercepted by Tucker Glenn at the Pepperell 1-yard line, allowing the Dragons to run out the clock.

Pepperell evened its season mark at 1-1.

The Tigers (0-2) look to rebound next week as they host Cass, aiming to get back in the win column.

~~ Larry Gardner contributed to this report.

Photos: Randy Parker, DTN Clockwise starting top left: Braxton Elrod is set to throw as Hunter Gilley (52) and Taylor Duncan (53) protect. -- Elrod (5) hands off to Carter -- Torron Hale (14) carries for Tigers' yardage. -- Ezequiel Carter (28) breaks away for a nice run.