Cedar Bluff, 47 Ragland 26

A very promising match up went south very quickly last Thursday when Ragland coughed up two very costly turnovers early against a Cedar Bluff team that was prepared to capitalize on those mistakes. A relentless Tigers’ offense led by the relentless running attack unleashed by freshman tailback Ivory Starr overwhelmed Ragland’s defense, which led to a three-touchdown victory for the Tigers.

Starr’s 235 yards on the ground allowed Cedar Bluff to make five visits to the red zone in the first half, with four successful touchdown runs all made by quarterback Josh Decker. Cedar Bluff was able to jump out to an early 19-0 lead and never let the Purple Devils get to within less than eight points.

Ragland’s scoring production was present in the first half with a 58-yard punt return by Braxton Thomas followed up with a one-yard punch into the end zone by Coby Fuller, briefly narrowing Cedar Bluff’s big lead to 33-14 at the half. The lead shrunk again early in the second half when Ragland’s Jadon Killings scored on a 20-yard run to narrow the lead to 33-20.

Ragland’s hopes were dashed soon after with a Decker touchdown pass and a Starr score on the ground that extended Cedar Bluff’s lead to 47-20 late in the fourth quarter.

Ragland’s season ended with a 3-8 record. Cedar Bluff improved to 10-1 as they advance to the second round.