The Swainsboro Tigers overcame an early 10 point deficit and found a way to win late as they grabbed their first win of the season in a thrilling 20-17 victory against Grovetown.

The Warriors led 10-0 early in the 2nd quarter after a 12 yard touchdown run as the Tigers found it difficult to slow their running game. With just under 4 minutes to play in the half, kicker Keith DeLima put the Tigers on the board with a 34 yard field goal to cut the lead to 10-3 heading into halftime.

Halfway through the 3rd quarter, running back Deantae Johnson tied the game with a 29 yard burst and Swainsboro began to gather some confidence and some momentum. DeLima put the Tigers on top in the 4th quarter with 24 yard field goal, 13-10.

However, Grovetown slowed the celebration and used a 56 yard run to put them into imminent scoring position at the Swainsboro 1 yard line. The Warriors found the end zone with 3:22 remaining and the game was in jeopardy with the Tigers trailing 17-13. The play of the game came just moments later as Swainsboro faced a 4th and 15 from their own 37 yard line. QB Dylan Poole was true to the task as he dropped back and found WR Startavius Harmon on a 26 yard strike and a first down to put the Tigers in business. It seemed to roll downhill from there and equal doses of Poole, Jemerico Bell, and Deantae Johnson wore down the Warriors, culminating on a 1 yard plunge from Bell for the decisive score with :35 remaining in the game.

“Poole did a great job for us and made some big plays running and throwing,” said head coach David Johnson. “Our offensive line and blocking backs got our running game rolling and we fought through some adversity to get the win. It was total team effort and shows what we’re capable of when we work hard and play as a team.”

Deantae led the way rushing with 103 yards on 13 carries and a touchdown. Swainsboro accumulated 211 yards on the ground in total. Poole completed 5 of 11 passes for 107 yards.

Defensive end Bobby Andrews had a breakout performance with 15 total tackles (3 for loss). DJ Douglass and Rashon Riddles provided a physical presence on defense and harassed ball carriers all game. DB Kyle Henry has proven to be one of the best athletes on the field and teamed with Bell form an impressive duo in terms of getting to the ball and punishing the offense on nearly every play.

Swainsboro is preparing for a tough road game in Blackshear Friday night against Pierce County.

“Pierce County is likely the best team we will have played thus far,” said Johnson. “They have size and a really good QB who likes to throw the ball. It will be a test for our secondary, but we have a good game plan and the athletes in our defensive secondary are as good as you will see, so we’re excited about the challenge.”

In the region, Dodge County, Thompson, Washington County are undefeated (Jefferson County is winless). The surprise team is Dodge County who has won 3 games by a combined score of 137-13, shellacking Dublin in the process by a shocking 61-7 score. Dublin was also beaten by Pierce County 46-17. Jefferson County has lost to Fitzgerald and Baldwin by a combined score of 60-20.