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WALDRON — Abraham Fellabaum’s pass attempt to Tyler Winch on 4th down fell short and the Waldron Spartans fell in a hotly contested first round playoff game to defending state champion Lawrence, 54-52.
“Our kids played so hard,” said Spartan head coach Mark Long. “I couldn’t be more proud of a group of kids. They played their hearts out tonight.”
The Spartans last gasp drive was set up by a fumble recovery by senior defensive lineman Jake Jagielski with 3:41 remaining in the game. But the Tigers held senior Jimmy Champion to five yards on three carries, setting up the 4th down play.
Leading 46-44, Lawrence took possession with 6:02 remaining.
After a negative play on first down and an incomplete pass on second, it appeared the Spartans would have an opportunity for a stop on third and long, but an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty was called on the Waldron player who broke up the pass attempt.
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“[The ref] said he stood over top of [the Lawrence player]. What do you do? You got to move on,” Long said.
On the next play, Lawrence scored a 66-yard touchdown to go ahead 52-44. The Tigers then converted a crucial two-point conversion to extend the lead to ten.
“It’s a game of inches,” Long said. “One two-point conversion here, one two-point conversion there.”
The Spartans needed a quick score to keep hope alive. Fellabaum threw a 20-yard pass to Winch, who made a diving catch despite being interfered with.
On the next play, the Spartans snuck senior lineman Cody Jameson into the middle of the field and Fellabaum hit the wide-open target for a 29-yard score, providing the final score of 54-52.
In addition to the touchdown catch, Jameson punished Lawrence ball carriers throughout the night.
“Cody Jameson is a man,” Long said. “He’s the best football player in this county, I don’t care if we’re playing 8-man or 11-man.”
Friday night’s contest marked the first time that Waldron High School hosted a playoff game in school history. The Spartans are still seeking their first ever playoff victory.
“To go 8-2 is nothing to be upset about. I’m more heartbroken right now for my seniors, because that’s the last time I get to coach them and that we get to play as this team,” Long said.
The seniors from the 2015 Waldron football team finished their high school careers with a 26-10 record in regular season games. Long called the feat “an unbelievable record”.
Due to time constraints, game stats were unavailable for the Waldron-Lawrence playoff game. Stats will be printed at a later date.
