The Ethel Tigers relied on a suffocating defensive effort and big-time plays from Zantavious Clark Friday night, pitching a 16-0 shutout against French Camp Academy.
Following a scoreless opening frame, Ethel broke the ice in the second quarter when Clark scooped up a fumble and returned it 55 yards for a touchdown. Caden Merritt punched in the two-point conversion to give the Tigers an 8-0 halftime lead.
Ethel’s defense continued to lock down FCA throughout the second half, keeping the Saints off the scoreboard and forcing four total turnovers on the night. Clark sealed the victory in the fourth quarter with an explosive 91-yard touchdown run, followed by a two-point conversion run from Taylon May.
“Defense really played well,” said Ethel head coach Junior Graham. “Our punting team performed well all night. Found a way to win a dog fight, an ugly win sure beats a pretty loss.”
Clark led the Tigers’ ground game with 112 rushing yards and a touchdown on 12 carries to go along with his scoop-and-score on defense. Curt Erving anchored the defensive unit with a game-high 13 tackles. The Tigers picked off two passes on the night—one each by Maddox Renfrow and Jaylin Felton—while D’ante Bailey and Clark each recovered fumbles.
With the win, Ethel turns its attention to a rivalry showdown this Friday, heading on the road to take on cross-county rival McAdams in the annual Attala County Super Bowl.
