Tigers finish season with eighth win
The Macon County Tigers finish the 2022 campaign with eight wins as they win 44-0 over Cumberland County.
It was Senior night at the last home game of the season. All the members of the Class of 2023 in the band, football team, and cheerleaders were recognized prior to the game for all their hard work.
The Tigers opened the scoring with an 89 yard run by Zach Borders. A two point attempt failed. Twin brother Gabe Borders scored in the last minute of the first quarter and brother Zach made the two point try this time to give the Tigers a 14-0 advantage.
With 6:24 left in the half Gabe Borders scored on a 14 yard run. Bryson Higgins made the extra point and Macon led 21-0. Gabe Borders then ripped off a 38 yard scoring run with 3:15 left in the half. Higgins would send the Tigers to the break with a 28-0 lead.
Following a three-and-out by the Jets and on the first play of the second half for the Tigers, Gabe Borders would score on a 58 yard rush, putting him over the 1,000 yard mark rushing for the season. The extra point was blocked. With 1:01 left in the period Kyle Shockley would hit Hayden Wix for a 13 yard pitch-and-catch for a score. Higgins PAT was good and Macon led 41-0. Higgins would also tack on a 34 yard field goal with 2:19 left in the game for the Tigers. Final score Macon 44 Cumberland 0.
Macon would finish with 431 yards rushing in the game. Gabe Borders ran nine times for 144 times and four scores and twin brother Zach Borders ran three times for 100 yards and a touchdown. Cole Stevens ran nine times for 123 yards, Shockley ran twice for 23 yards, Luke Gammon ran twice for 15 yards, Braylon Flowers ran once for 33 yards, Braden Warren ran once for 10 yards, and Nate Green ran once for two yards.
Shockley finished the game 6 of 10 passing for 82 yards and one touchdown and one interception. Wix had four receptions for 42 yards and a score. Flowers had the other two receptions for 40 yards.
Mason Swindle and Tyler Gregory each finished the game with seven tackles, as they also finished the season first and second in total tackles. Kelan Hire had three while Gabe Borders, Gammon, Wix, Shockley, Flowers, Braden Warren, Eli Warren, Trey Mclain, Isaiah Cates, and Jo Jo Scott all had two tackles each.
The Tigers finish the regular season 8-2 and 4-1 in Region 4-4A in a three way tie for 1st place. Due to the two losses Stone Memorial wins the Region based on overall record. Then Upperman finishes second based on their win over the Tigers.
Being seeded #3 in the Region means that the Tigers will travel to Chattanooga Red Bank this Friday night for the first round of the TSSAA playoffs. I believe that kick-off will be scheduled for 7 pm Eastern time.
(Photos by Julie Collins)
