Atlanta, GA – It was perfect weather for football Friday night at Adams Stadium, and for the Lithonia Bulldogs, the night couldn’t have ended any better. Behind a tough defensive effort and clutch plays on both sides of the ball, Lithonia snapped a 12-game losing streak to rival Tucker with a 27-20 Region 5-4A win.
This was a matchup the Bulldogs had circled on their calendar, and their preparation showed early. Tucker struck first with a 22-yard field goal by Zachary McCalla, giving Lithonia a 3-0 lead. The Bulldogs struck again later in the quarter when quarterback Jamon Coggins connected with Xavier “Deuce” Butler on a 32-yard pass, moving the ball to the Tucker 10. Although the Tigers defense stood tall, McCalla nailed another 32-yard field goal to extend the lead to 6-0. Moments later, Lithonia’s defense came up with a game changing play. Defensive back Edward Roberts jumped a route, picked off a Tucker pass, and returned it 51 yards to the Tigers nine-yard line. On the very next series, Butler capped it off with a touchdown run. McCalla’s extra point made it 13-0 at halftime.
The Bulldogs added to their lead on their first possession of the second half. After punting the ball away, a bouncing kick deflected off a Tucker player, and Lithonia recovered at the Tigers one-yard line. Albert Gooding powered into the end zone on the next play, and McCalla’s PAT made it 20-0. But Tucker wasn’t going down without a fight. The Tigers responded with two quick scores in the third quarter. Thaddeus Tillman broke loose on an 11-yard touchdown run, and Christian Copeland followed with a 16-yard scamper into the end zone on the next possession. With both PATs good from Lance Harrell, Tucker clawed back to within 20-14 with 2:55 left in the third. The Bulldogs held their ground, and with just 1:26 remaining in the fourth quarter, freshman Tim Behling made the play of the night. Behling intercepted a Tucker pass to seal the win, as Lithonia fans erupted in celebration.
After the game, Bulldogs head coach Kevin Barnes credited his players’ belief and determination.
“Them guys believed, and that’s all I need them to do,” Barnes said.
With the win, Lithonia not only ended its 12-game drought against Tucker but also showcased a new culture of confidence under Barnes. His Bulldogs now expect to win and Friday night, they proved they could.
Photos Credit: Jamie Williams/ Perfect Capture Sports
