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By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Publisher

SELMA – In a back-and-forth battle of two teams looking for their first win, it was the Ellwood Christian Eagles who found the late heroics to take down Central Hayneville on Friday, Sept. 26.

With his team trailing by one score and a minute left on the clock, senior athlete Michael McCants finished off an impressive night be leaving his stamp on the game with the ultimate play.

The senior caught a pass behind the line of scrimmage and went to work, using a great block to spark a run that saw him break two tackles, cut back inside and then back outside before breaking free for what became the game-winning touchdown in a 20-18 victory.

The win was the team’s first of the season, as they continued their growing trend of improving week to week.

The game-winner wasn’t the only big play of the night for McCants, who also made a big play in the second quarter for the team’s first touchdown of the night.

Facing second-and-1, quarterback Kendrick Munford threw a ball deep down the left side line, giving his talented wideout a chance to make a play, which is exactly what he did. McCants reeled in the catch as it fell just over the defender and into his hands for the touchdown.

At the time, the Eagles were trailing 12-0, but that shifted momentum slightly into their favor.

Still, they didn’t find the scoreboard again until the final quarter.

That’s when Munford found Darrion Savage for another great touchdown pass just over the outstretched defender.

Still, though, the Eagles trailed late in the final quarter, but McCants had one last magical play in him that completed the comeback win at home.

Ellwood had shown growth in recent weeks, using a strong defensive showing against Keith in a tough 28-6 loss before the offense played its best game of the season a week later against Verbena in a 46-12 loss.

Now, the Eagles have a win under their belt, combining the improvement of the two previous weeks with their best offensive and defensive showing of the season.

They’ll now host 2-3 Billingsley this Friday for their last home game before hitting the road for their final two region games against Notasulga and Autauga Academy. They’ll then travel to Fayetteville to finish off the regular season.