By Becky Holland
COCHRAN, GA – Bleckley County had one final chance Friday night.
Trailing Dublin 27-21 in the closing minutes, the Royals drove deep into Fighting Irish territory and put themselves in position to tie — or potentially win — the game.
But on fourth-and-11 from the Dublin 19-yard line with less than a minute remaining, the drive ended on downs, allowing Dublin to take possession and close out a 27-21 victory.
Bleckley County had carried a 21-14 lead into halftime after scoring seven points in the first quarter and 14 in the second.
Dublin began cutting into that advantage after the break.
The Fighting Irish tied the game at 21-21 in the third quarter, then moved ahead in the fourth on an 11-yard rushing touchdown by Jaydon McRae. The extra-point attempt was unsuccessful, leaving Dublin with a six-point lead and keeping the Royals within one possession.
Bleckley County stayed in the game with key defensive stops.
Late in the third quarter, Dublin intercepted a Royals pass, but Bleckley County answered by recovering a Fighting Irish fumble near the goal line.
The Royals continued battling into the fourth.
After forcing a Dublin punt, Bleckley County took over near midfield and began moving the ball. The Royals reached the Dublin 34-yard line with just over three minutes remaining, then pushed deeper into scoring territory with a completion to the 18.
The final drive, however, was slowed by a false start and a loss on third down.
Facing fourth-and-11 from the 19 with about 50 seconds left, Bleckley County called timeout before its final attempt. The Royals were unable to convert, turning the ball over on downs.
Dublin then took over and ran out the remaining time.
The difference came in the second half, when Dublin scored 13 unanswered points while holding Bleckley County scoreless.
Still, the Royals remained within striking distance until the final minute and gave themselves one last opportunity before the comeback fell short.
Final: Dublin 27, Bleckley County 21.
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