Andrew Alford to Davion Bennett Wizardry Saves Central in Heart-Pounding Duel with Hungry Carver-Montgomery, 31-26

By David Brent Martin

PHENIX CITY – Central remains in control of its quest for another state championship after a thrilling 31-26 Homecoming victory over Carver-Montgomery on Friday night at Garrett-Harrison Stadium. In a game filled with momentum shifts and high-stakes drama, the Red Devils overcame a determined Wolverines squad to secure a crucial Region win.

Central (6-1, 4-1 in Region) displayed resilience following a heartbreaking loss to No. 2 Auburn in Week 6. Friday’s win against Carver gives the reigning Class 7A state champions the boost they needed to continue their march toward the postseason.

First Half Battle

Both teams felt each other out in a defensive first quarter, with neither side able to break through for a score until the final minutes. With just under four minutes left, University of Alabama commit Anthony Rogers, widely considered one of the top receiving backs in the country, made a spectacular 4th-and-25 catch on a pass from quarterback T.J. Russell, putting Carver on the board first with a 7-0 lead after a successful point after touchdown.

Carver’s defense kept Central off the scoreboard throughout the 2nd quarter. Senior quarterback Andrew Alford, despite his leadership on the season, was intercepted in the red zone, halting a key scoring opportunity for the Red Devils.

Second Half Showdown

The second half would deliver the fireworks fans anticipated. After Rogers opened the half with a brilliant kickoff return called back due to penalty, Central’s offense came alive.

Senior running back Tristan Williams, who has been averaging 118.2 rushing yards per game, showed his versatility with a nifty 16-yard touchdown run. The PAT tied the game at 7-7 with just under nine minutes left in the 3rd quarter.

Central took advantage of a botched snap on a Carver punt, adding a field goal to go up 10-7. But Carver responded as running back Trevon Gilmer powered his way through for a nine-yard touchdown. However, the missed PAT left Carver clinging to a 13-10 lead late in the 3rd.

Central's defense then made a pivotal play when Terence Jackson scooped up a fumble and returned it 69 yards for a touchdown. The Red Devils reclaimed the lead, 17-13, heading into the final quarter.

Fourth Quarter Thriller

The fourth quarter was a true back-and-forth thriller. Carver quarterback Russell, who completed 20 of 37 passes for 344 yards and three touchdowns, found Tristan Norman for a score, putting Carver ahead 20-17.

However, Central answered with Alford leading a drive that ended with a touchdown pass to reclaim the lead, 24-20, with just 3:33 left in the game.

Still, in the dying minutes, Carver’s star receiver Anthony Rogers, who finished the night with three receptions for 72 yards, caught another dazzling touchdown pass from Russell. But once again, Carver’s kicking game faltered, missing the PAT, leaving the score 26-24 in favor of the Wolverines.

With time ticking away and no timeouts remaining, Alford, showing the poise of a seasoned veteran, connected with receiver Davion Bennett for a dramatic game-winning touchdown. The Red Devils snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with a final score of 31-26.

Carver (5-2, 3-2 in Region) attempted a last-second trick play, but Central’s defense held firm.

Looking Ahead

The Wolverines will look to rebound when they face Auburn on October 18.

Central, now sitting at 6-1, heads to Opelika to take on the 7-1 Bulldogs in a high-stakes battle for Region supremacy. With key players like Alford, who has emerged as a top college recruit, and standout senior receiver Daylyn Upshaw, who is averaging 91.3 receiving yards per game, the Red Devils are primed for another strong run toward the state championship.