Tigers Mount Memorable Comeback Against Bulldogs in Home Football Opener
By: Weston Smith
Friday, August 29th, 2025 | Memphis, MO
Friday night lights are officially back. In their season opener, the Scotland County Tigers hosted the Louisiana Bulldogs for week one of football action. Louisiana won the coin toss, and opted to give the ball to Scotland County’s offense to start the contest. The Tigers offense answered the call and responded by putting together a 70 yard opening drive. Quarterback Dane Blessing finished the drive with a 3 yard rushing touchdown that would give Scotland County the first 6 points of the night. Carter Clatt tacked on an extra point, and with 6:00 remaining in the first quarter, Scotland County was out to a 7-0 lead. Louisiana responded with a quick offensive drive of their own, traveling 57 yards in 3 minutes to tie the score at 7 with 3:00 remaining in the first quarter. Halfway through the second quarter of play, the Bulldogs would add another score that took the lead away from Scotland County. Sending the contest to halftime with a score of Louisiana 13, Scotland County 7.
Both defenses made adjustments at the half, and traded blows at midfield to start the third quarter. With 2:00 remaining in the third quarter of play, Louisiana scored again. Extending their lead over the Tigers to 19-6. Scotland County’s defense forced a punt with 4:26 remaining in the game. After a couple of incompletions to start the drive, Scotland County faced a 3rd and 15 from the Louisiana 20 yard line. Dane Blessing connected with Carter Clatt in the endzone for the Tiger’s second score of the night. Clatt added the extra point to narrow the deficit. With 3:40 remaining, the score was Louisiana 19, Scotland County 14. Louisiana would successfully recover an onside kick on their own 48 yard line. On the next play, the Bulldog’s running back broke free for a 32 yard gain before being chased down by lone Tiger, Tayte Richmond on the 20 yard line. On 1st and 10 from the Tiger’s 20 yard line, Louisiana hoped to bleed the clock and take care of the football. Junior, Cohen Small had different plans. Small stripped the Bulldog’s next run, and forced a fumble that was recovered by the Tigers defense. Giving Scotland County the ball back on their own 10 yard line with 2:00 to play. After a couple of short gains, the Tigers faced a 4th and 4 from their own 16. That’s when Blessing connected with Levi Stott for a 53 yard completion with the clock running down. Louisiana would stop the Tigers and force yet another 4th and 7 from the 13 yard line with under a minute remaining. That’s when the Blessing to Stott combination struck again. Blessing found Stott on a screen to the outside, and Stott made 3 defenders miss before crossing the goal line. Scotland County successfully completed a two point conversion and reclaimed the lead with 24 seconds remaining in the game. Scotland County’s defense was able to make more key stops to finish the contest. Mounting a memorable fourth quarter comeback to defeat Louisiana by a final score of 22-9.
