North Sand Mountain Advances

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor • marla@southerntorch.com (Photo by Kristy Gallagher | AHSAA Photographer)

HIGDON, Ala. — The North Sand Mountain Bisons defeated the Addison Bulldogs, 32-24 in the second round of the Class 2A Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) State Football Playoffs.  North Sand Mountain defeated Addison last year in the first round of playoffs.

With 9:22 remaining in the first quarter, Lake Bell scored on a 1-yard touchdown for the Bisons.   

Bell connected with Derek Bearden for the 17-yard touchdown pass to give the Bisons the 12-0 with 7:01 remaining in the second quarter.  Addison kicked a 32-yard field goal in the second quarter, and then scored on a 5-yard dash into the endzone with :11 remaining in the second, to make the score 12-10 going into the half. 

After NSM recovered an Addison fumble on the second play of the second half,  Bell connected with Jacob Kirby on a 24-yard touchdown pass to take the 20-10 lead.  Addison scored on a 1-yard dash into the endzone.  The extra point put the Bulldogs within reach of NSM, with a score of 20-17 with 6:17 remaining in the third quarter.  The Bulldogs stopped the Bison defense and took possession with 2:49 remaining in the third.  

Addison then drove 88-yards on 13 plays to take the 24-20 lead with 9:53 remaining in regulation play.  Luna added a 69-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter for the Bisons to give them the slim 26-24 lead.  Addison drove down the before Lake Bell intercepted the ball at the North Sand Mountain 24-yard line to clinch the Bison victory, with a North Sand Mountain touchdown with 3:39 remaining in the game.  

Lake Bell led the Bison with 20 carries for 116 yards and completed 9-of-19 passes for 127 yards.

North Sand Mountain will advance to the third round of the AHSAA playoffs.  The Bison (11-1) will travel to take on Spring Garden (11-1) on Friday night.