Tigers and lightning dampen LaFayette’s homecoming game

BY ROB DAVIS

FOR THE LAFAYETTE SUN

LAFAYETTE — The Red Level Tigers outlasted the weather and the Lafayette Bulldogs Friday night 24-20 in a non-region Homecoming matchup at Bulldog Stadium that was delayed twice by lightning and called early by officials.

It marked the second consecutive week that Lafayette had their game called before time expired. This time officials decided to call the game after Red Level scored on a running play from nine yards out to take a 24-20 lead with 9:38 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Heavy rain coupled with thunder and lightning forced the Homecoming crowd to seek shelter and head for their cars as officials called the game and cleared the field.

Lafayette began the game clicking on all cylinders, as the Bulldogs used a run heavy offensive attack to drive to the 21 yard line of Red Level. On third down, Lafayette quarterback Kemare Harrington rolled right and hit a wide open Cameron Thomas for a 21-yard touchdown and the game’s first score.

Red Level answered on the ensuing drive, going 54 yards in six plays to tie the game at 6. The drive was capped off with a 17-yard burst up the middle for a touchdown with 1:43 remaining in the first quarter.

The Bulldogs took the lead once again with 11:48 left in the first half, as Harrington found Zaquarious Jackson on an out pattern for a 55-yard touchdown. The two-point conversion failed.

Both offenses would stall until the 5:19 mark when Red Level went on a seven play 52-yard drive that ended with 2-yard touchdown run to make the score 12-12 at the half.

The first weather delay came with 8:40 remaining in the third quarter. The game was still tied at 12 when lightning was sighted and game officials cleared the field. According to the Alabama High School Activities Association, there must be a 30-minute delay after the last thunderclap or lightning flash. With each additional thunderclap or lightning sighting, the 30 minute delay must be reset.

Once the game resumed every time Lafayette took the lead, Red Level responded. After the visiting Tigers took the lead with 9:38 remaining in the game, officials were forced to call the game due to lightning moving back into the area.

With the victory, Red Level improves to 3-2 on the season, while Lafayette drops to 2-4.