Top Ranked Guntersville Slips Past Rival Arab in Fourth Quarter Thriller

September 21, 2024

GUNTERSVILLE, AL – In a nail-biting conclusion at Chorba-Lee Stadium, Brandon Manganaris clinched a come-from-behind victory for the Guntersville Wildcats, splitting the uprights from 25 yards out with just one second left on the clock, securing a 17-15 win over arch-rival Arab.

Ranked No. 1 in Class 5A, the Wildcats now boast a perfect 5-0 record (3-0 in region play). The win puts the breaks on Guntersville’s two-game losing streak to the Arabian Knights. Arab’s record slips to 3-2 (2-1 in Class 5A, Region 8).

South Alabama commit Julyon Jordan was instrumental in the Wildcats’ success, scoring both of their touchdowns. His second touchdown, a 2-yard run, extended Guntersville’s lead to 14-0 in the third quarter.

The Guntersville defense was dominant in the first half, shutting the Knights out in the first half. Linebacker Avery Clifton led with 10 tackles, while Gus Harris contributed nine tackles and a pass deflection.

Arab’s comeback began early in the fourth quarter when quarterback Drew Puccio scored on a 15-yard run and successfully executed a fake extra point, narrowing the gap to 14-8. Later, Puccio connected with Landon Strickland for a 24-yard touchdown, giving Arab a brief 15-14 advantage with under a minute to play.

Julyon Jordan carried the ball 12 times for 90 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Wildcats quarterback Street Smith completed 8-of-11 passes for 85 yards and added 17 rushing yards. Dadrien Waller and Jack Lenoir were reliable targets, with Waller catching three passes for 17 yards and Lenoir four for 29.

Arab’s Drew Puccio delivered a strong performance, rushing for 121 yards and a touchdown, and completing 13-of-17 passes for 120 yards and another score. Landon Strickland shined with 93 yards and a touchdown from six receptions, while Logan Alldredge led the Arabian Knight rushing attack with 62 yards on the ground.

Looking ahead, Guntersville will enjoy a bye week before facing the Class 7A Grissom Tigers (1-3) at home on October 4th. Meanwhile, Arab (3-2) is set to welcome Madison Academy (2-2) to Brindlee Mountain next Friday night.