Indians Fall Late to Stanhope Elmore

WETUMPKA, Ala. - The Wetumpka Indians (5-4, 3-3 6A Region 2) fell short of rival Stanhope Elmore (6-3, 4-2 6A Region 2) on Friday night 35-28 at the Wetumpka Sports Complex.

In a back and forth battle, the Mustangs scored with 41 seconds left in the game, to end Wetumpka's four-game win streak in the rivalry. It also snaps a streak of four consecutive victories this season after the 1-3 start to the year.

It was the recieving core that kept the Tribe in the hunt throughout the game. Kaleb Ballard reeled in two 30+ yard receptions en route to his performance of four receptions, 78 yards and a touchdown. Senior John Hudson Wingard had a pair of touchdowns to go with his four receptions and 39 yards. Wingard's performance included an inconcievable catch while triple covered that gave the Indians a lead in the third quarter.

Turnovers were a major factor in the 57th edition of the rivalry matchup. LT Davis was a major part of that battle with an interception in the endzone to prevent Stanhope Elmore from taking advantage of a blocked punt in the first quarter. The senior defensive back managed 13 tackles including nine solo.

With the loss, Wetumpka falls to a finishing position of fourth in 6A Region 2. The Indians officially clinched a playoff berth against Park Crossing in the previous game, and is now officially set to face the Saraland Spartans (9-0, 8-0 6A Region 1) in the first round of the AHSAA 6A Playoffs on Nov. 7.

Prior to the playoff matchup, Wetumpka will close out its season at home on Thursday, Oct. 30, as they take on the Demopolis Tigers (6-3, 5-1 5A Region 3) at the Wetumpka Sports Complex. The senior night contest will be broadcast on The Wetumpka Sports Network YouTube, Facebook and 105.1 WRFS. Pregame will begin at 6:15 p.m., with senior night ceremonies planned before the 7 p.m. kickoff.