Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
HERRIN — The Herrin Tigers used a strong defensive performance to beat Harrisburg 17-7, preventing the Bulldogs from clinching a playoff spot.
The Tigers forced three turnovers on the night. The first came in the opening quarter with Harrisburg threatening. With the Bulldogs facing fourth and six from the Herrin 13, Tigers senior Jonathan Harrison snagged an errant pitch intended for Reid Rider, ending the Harrisburg threat.
Herrin’s offense got going in the second quarter. Ja’Kai Vaughn’s 34-yard run set up a 28-yard field goal by Keegan Weber for the first points of the game. Later in the quarter, Chris Nelson scored on a 2-yard touchdown run giving the Tigers a 10-0 lead at the half.
On the opening possession of the third, Herrin’s Kyrese Lukens hauled in a tipped pass and returned it for a touchdown, giving the Tigers a 17-0 lead.
Harrisburg cut the deficit to 17-7 on Travis Fann’s 1-yard touchdown.
In the fourth, the Tigers slammed the door shut as Vaughn’s interception ended another Harrisburg drive, helping preserve the win.
Harrisburg falls to 5-3 and will close the regular season at Benton, who is also 5-3. Herrin improves to 3-5 and will hit the road to visit 6-2 Breese Central.
