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By ZACHARY SEIFTER/ Staff Writer

Chilton County High School came just short of pulling off the upset of the season on Oct. 1.

The Tigers visited Helena High School to take on the undefeated Huskies. It was a back-and-forth game, but a few missed opportunities in the fourth quarter cost the Tigers as they lost 48-40.

CCHS came out ready to dominate in this game. After giving up a quick touchdown early in the first quarter, the Tigers took control of the first half, scoring four touchdowns, including a pick-six late in the second quarter to go into halftime up 27-13.

In the second half though, Helena pushed back.

The Huskies quickly scored two touchdowns in the third quarter, evening up the game. After trading touchdowns, the teams found themselves tied at 34 going into the fourth quarter.

In the fourth, Helena drove down the field, scoring a touchdown to take the lead with under six minutes to go.

However, CCHS quarterback Cannon Miller led the Tigers back down the field, scoring a touchdown with under two minutes remaining to bring the score to 41-40 in favor of the Huskies.

Then, CCHS head coach Tal Morrison made a gutsy call, going for a two-point conversion to take the lead as opposed to kicking an extra point for the tie. He wanted to win it then and there as opposed to going to overtime.

“We’re on the road … we had given up some big plays throughout that game, and I liked our chances with a two-point play,” Morrison said. “I felt like if we got that scored, that would give us the confidence that we would be able to get a stop.”

Unfortunately for the Tigers, they were unable to convert the two-point play, keeping the score at 41-40 in favor of Helena with under two minutes to go.

Following a failed onside kick attempt, the Huskies scored a touchdown instead of running out the clock, bringing the score to 48-40 with about 1:30 left on the clock.

The Tigers were unable to get down the field for a touchdown in that short amount of time, losing a tough battle against a great team.

“I could not be more proud of our kids, and not just them, but the crowd that was there, the enthusiasm they showed throughout that game, and the support they gave our kids throughout that game, it was exciting,” Morrison said.

The loss dropped the Tigers’ record to 2-4 on the season. However, with three regional games to go, they still have a chance to put themselves back in playoff contention.

CCHS quarterback Cannon Miller was sensational for the Tigers in the loss. He completed 18 of 27 passes for 383 yards and he threw three touchdowns in the game.

On the ground, Rashard Childers led the team, picking up 64 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries.