Arab Upsets 6th Ranked Guntersville 29-19
Guntersville, AL – the Arab Arabian Knights improved to 6-2, 4-1 in Class 5A, Region 7 play with a crucial 29-19 victory over arch rival Guntersville (6-1, 3-1) Friday night at Chorba-Lee Stadium. The win marked the Knights’ second in a row over the Wildcats. The tide appears to be turning in this region rivalry with the Knights securing their first victory on the Cats’ home turf in over a decade. Prior to last season’s 34-20 Arab win, Guntersville had claimed nine straight victories over their Marshall County rivals in a series that dates back to 1922.
The Wildcats struck first as quarterback Eli Morrison connected with Dadrien Waller for a 30-yard touchdown strike on their opening drive. However, the Knights blocked the extra point attempt, keeping the Wildcats’ lead at 6-0. Both teams then traded punts in their next few possessions. But it was during the second quarter that Arab began to make a move.
On a crucial fourth and short, the Knights managed to convert, and a big run by Logan Alldredge marched the Arab offense to the Guntersville 20-yard line. Alldredge continued his strong performance, making it all the way to the 5-yard line. A couple of plays later, Knights quarterback Drew Puccio ran it in from 6 yards out, tying the game at 6. Aiden Wooten’s extra point gave the Knights a 7-6 advantage early in the second quarter.
Guntersville quickly responded, capping their next drive with a five-yard Enelson Delva touchdown run to take the lead 13-7 in the middle of the second quarter. The Knights’ fortunes turned when they recovered a fumble deep in Guntersville territory during the Wildcats’ next possession. Making the most of the short field, Puccio bolted into the endzone, scoring his second touchdown of the night, putting Arab ahead 14-13 as they went into halftime.
The Wildcats regained the lead after the break, moving ahead 19-14 as Treyvon Avery hauled in a 56 yard touchdown toss from Morrison early in the third quarter but a failed two point conversion left the lead at five points. The Knights answered back with a scoring drive of their own, capped by a 4-yard touchdown by Logan Silva at the start of the fourth quarter. A successful two-point conversion gave the Knights a 22-19 lead early in the final period.
After forcing a Wildcat punt, the Knights put together a long, time-consuming drive in the fourth quarter. With less than three minutes on the clock, Alldredge bolted into the endzone from five yards out, extending the lead to 29-19.
Guntersville made a last-ditch effort to stage a comeback, quickly driving into Arab territory with just over a minute remaining. However, Hagan Stewart sealed the deal for the Knights with an interception in the end zone, securing the win and putting the Knights in a tie for the top spot in Class 5A, Region 7.
With this win, Arab improves to 6-2 and will wrap up the regular season with a non-region road matchup at Hazel Green next week. As for the Wildcats, they’ll hit the road to face the Sardis Lions in a crucial Class 5A, Region 7 showdown.
