Junior quarterback Taylor Garrett scrambles against TC. (Daily Home)

HOWELL’S COVE — Running backs Curtavius Gray and Josh Taylor led the Winterboro Bulldogs to a 42-26 road victory against the Talladega County Central Fighting Tigers Friday.

Gray finished the night with 159 total yards including a 46-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter to spoil TC Central’s home opener. Taylor added another 221 total yards and had an interception on defense.

The running backs had two scores each on the ground, and Taylor added another on a pass from quarterback Taylor Garrett.

“They really showed that both of them have unique styles and unique gifts they bring to the team,” said Winterboro head coach Adam Fossett. “We had to rely heavy on Curtavius tonight, and he pulled us through. Our big thing this offseason and leading into the season is that we are a big family. Tonight, a different family member had to sit at the head of the table, and he did a good job for us.”

The Bulldogs held a 12-0 lead entering the third quarter. That increased to 20-0 before the Tigers got their first points, with 5:06 remaining in the third.

TC Central quarterback Zekyle Stockdale ran the ball into the end zone from one yard away to make it 20-6. The score was set up by a 60-yard run from Kendarious Swain one play prior.

A quarterback sneak by Garrett from two yards out made Winterboro’s lead 26-6 with 1:16 left in the third. But the Tigers added a touchdown on offense and defense to make it a tight game in the fourth quarter.

Defensive end Tevin Garrett stripped the ball from a Bulldog ball carrier and took it 16 yards for the score. With 4:42 remaining, Ramone Russell made the score 26-20 on a two-yard touchdown carry.

Two plays later, Winterboro answered with a touchdown of its own. Following the TC Central, kickoff, a 34-yard run by Gray was matched by a 31 yard touchdown run for Taylor.

Down 34-20 and with Stockdale injured on the sideline, Swain took over the signal-calling duties. He led the Tigers on a six-play, 66-yard drive to the end zone with 2:58 left in the game.

Swain finished the game with a combined 259 yards passing and rushing to lead TC Central on the night.

An onside kick by the Tigers failed to recover the ball, and Gray sealed the game one play later with his 46-yard touchdown run.

“This was a sloppy game,” Fossett said. “This was one of those games that as a coach you are glad you came out with a win, but you know you have a lot to work on. The scoreboard said it all. It went back and forth in the second half, we thought we were out of the woods and they turn around and have a two-play drive and score. So we have a ton to work on and get better at before we face a very good St. Jude’s team next week.”

Winterboro is scheduled to face St. Jude at home, while TC Central travels to Wadley for their next game.

Box Score

Contact Matt Quillen at mquillen@dailyhome.com.

Read more:The Daily Home - Winterboro defeats TCC for 3rd win