Victory!
Knights Defeat Scottsboro 9-7

Andrew Davis (# 18) after pulling in a Jonathan Embry pass heads for good yardage against Scottsboro.  Arab Today Photos by Dwight Hayes

Football photos.....                                    Band photos......

September 5, 2009 - Dwight Hayes
After the one point loss in the run and gun offensive shootout against # 5 ranked Oneonta last week, the low scoring defensive battle with Scottsboro Friday night should seem a little dull.  Not so!  Anyone who thinks it was dull obviously wasn't in the Arab High School stadium as the clock ticked down to the last seconds.

The 9 - 7 victory over Scottsboro broke Arab's losing streak and the celebration was sweet.  As the final second clicked off Arab fans erupted into cheers.  On the field it was a time of hugs, high fives, tears, and smiles.

Scottsboro penalties and turnovers plagued the Wildcats the entire game.  A total of 14 penalties were assessed against the Wildcats for a total of 95 yards.  By contrast, Arab had 5 penalties and gave up 50 yards to the yellow flag.  Scottsboro fumbled the ball three times.  The Knights recovered each fumble but was only able to score once.  Arab did not fumble during the game.   The knights intercepted one Scottsboro pass but gave up none of their own.

Arab's defensive unit closes in on a Scottsboro player to end a running play.

Neither team was able to mount a scoring drive in the first quarter.  With 9:06 left in the 2nd quarter Arab Quarterback Jonathan Embry put the Knights on the scoreboard first with a one yard run.  The point after try was blocked but Arab had taken a lead that they would hold for the remainder of the game.  The first half ended with Arab leading 6-0.

A series of fumbles plagued Scottsboro in the 3rd quarter.  While Arab recovered each of the fumbles, it was not until the third fumble turnover by Scottsboro that the Knights were able to capitalize on the mistakes. Finally, with 8:07 showing on the clock, the knights settled for a field goal after their drive stalled.  A 30 yard kick by Jacob Smith added 3 points to Arab's lead.

A 33 yard run by Zach Mardis gave Scottsboro their only touchdown with 4:23 in the 3rd quarter.  The PAT kick by Tim Koch was good and Scottsboro trailed by two points.

While Scottsboro racked up more total yardage, 244 to Arab's 191, Arab led with 11 first downs to Scottsboro's 10.  Of Scottsboro's 244 total yards, 76 were passing yardage and 168 came from rushing.  Arab claimed 54 yards passing and 137 yards rushing.

Arab attempted 9 passes but only completed 2, while Scottsboro completed 5 of 8 attempts.  Arab ran the ball 42 times to Scottsboro's 33 rushing attempts.

Arab was forced to punt 4 times for 132 yards and a punt average of 33 yards.  Scottsboro punted 3 times for 120 yards and a 40 yard average.

The win gave the Knight's a 1-1 record and a 1-0 area record.  They travel to Fort Payne next Friday to face the Fort Payne Wildcats.  Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Jordan Brock ( # 23) sweeps around left end for a substantial gain during one of Arab's drives Friday night.