Elba, Kinston earn big playoff wins

Both the Elba Tigers (10-1) and Kinston Bulldogs (8-3) continue their seasons this week after picking up wins in the first round of the playoffs last week.

The Bulldogs have already made history and will continue to make history this week as they play in the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 1987 and just the second time in school history. Last week’s opening round playoff game with Central Hayneville was also the first playoff game the school has hosted in school history. Kinston’s eight wins is the most the school has ever recorded, as well.

Kinston managed to knock off Central by a score of 10-6 after running back Jeb Crosby scored on a 10-yard run with less than four minutes remaining to give the Bulldogs the 10-6 lead.

Kinston quarterback Cale Sumblin had a big night rushing for 109 yards and also throwing for 94 more yards. Crosby also added 40 yards on the ground.

The road won’t get any easier for the Bulldogs as they have to travel to Class 1A No. 2-ranked Sweet Water this Friday, Nov. 12.

The Tigers are no strangers to playoff success and that continued last week as Elba absolutely ravaged Ranburne at home by a score of 55-28.

The Tigers were led by an eye-popping performance from sophomore Alvin Henderson, who rushed for 203 yards and four touchdowns on just nine carries in the win. Henderson scored on runs of 37 yards, 27 yards, 80 yards and 45 yards. JT Coleman also rushed for 95 yards on 17 carries and caught a pass for 86 yards and a touchdown. South Alabama commit Chrystyile Caldwell also added a 35-yard touchdown run.

Following this performance, Henderson received college scholarship offers from Arkansas, Ole Miss and Syracuse.

Elba will hit the road this week for a challenge against Highland Home on Nov. 12.