High School Sports, Red Bay Tigers, Sports
 By  Josh Prewitt Published 
11:01 am Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Red Bay wins region opener 30-8

Senior running back Tate Ozbirn was the story of the game once again for Red Bay with yet another outstanding performance, rushing for 201 yards and three touchdowns on the game and proving to be the difference for the Tigers after a close game in the first quarter.

“I am proud that our players corrected some mistakes we made early in the game and played an excellent second half,” Coach Michael Jackson said.

After an early score from sophomore quarterback Kolby Bragwell on a one-yard touchdown run to put Red Bay on the board first, Mars Hill Bible would answer back late in the first quarter by scoring on a one-yard touchdown run of their own from Colton Smith and would add on a two-point conversion by Nasser James to take the lead 8-7 going into the second quarter.

Ozbirn, who’s totaled 527 yards and nine touchdowns in the Tigers’ 3-0 start on the year, scored a touchdown in each of the next three quarters to help lift them to their 21st consecutive regular season win, beating the Panthers 30-8 to get their first region win and stay undefeated.

Tigers defense held the Panthers to 134 total yards (77 on the ground) for the whole game.

The Tigers’ rushing attack was their biggest strength coming into this year.

“We were able to run the football for over 340 yards and control the game. Our defense adjusted well to the wing T offense from Mars Hill and held them to two yards a carry.I thought both teams played hard, and we must continue to improve,” Jackson said. “Building depth will be a factor in upcoming games.”

Red Bay (3-0) (1-0) will travel to Hatton next Friday for a 2A Region 8 game against the Hornets.

Senior running back Tate Ozbirn was the story of the game once again for Red Bay with yet another outstanding performance, rushing for 201 yards and three touchdowns on the game and proving to be the difference for the Tigers after a close game in the first quarter.

“I am proud that our players corrected some mistakes we made early in the game and played an excellent second half,” Coach Michael Jackson said.

After an early score from sophomore quarterback Kolby Bragwell on a one-yard touchdown run to put Red Bay on the board first, Mars Hill Bible would answer back late in the first quarter by scoring on a one-yard touchdown run of their own from Colton Smith and would add on a two-point conversion by Nasser James to take the lead 8-7 going into the second quarter.

Ozbirn, who’s totaled 527 yards and nine touchdowns in the Tigers’ 3-0 start on the year, scored a touchdown in each of the next three quarters to help lift them to their 21st consecutive regular season win, beating the Panthers 30-8 to get their first region win and stay undefeated.

Tigers defense held the Panthers to 134 total yards (77 on the ground) for the whole game.

 The Tigers’ rushing attack was their biggest strength coming into this year.

“We were able to run the football for over 340 yards and control the game. Our defense adjusted well to the wing T offense from Mars Hill and held them to two yards a carry.I thought both teams played hard, and we must continue to improve,” Jackson said. “Building depth will be a factor in upcoming games.”

Red Bay (3-0) (1-0) will travel to Hatton next Friday for a 2A Region 8 game against the Hornets.

Also on Franklin County Times
LEAVING A LASTING LEGACY
Franklin County, Main, News, ...
Retirement brings an end to one chapter of school
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
April 22, 2026
THARPTOWN – Over the past 21 years, Tharptown schools have seen a plethora of changes as students and teachers alike come and go and the education lan...
Investigator details charges in child porn case
Main, News, Russellville, ...
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
April 22, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Details from an interview between Abigail Roberts and an investigator regarding the child pornography and sodomy charges against the 22...
Generational investment has regional impact
Columnists, Opinion
April 22, 2026
On March 20 we marked the beginning of something truly significant, not just for one community, but for all of north Alabama. The announcement of a $2...
Broadway salute takes stage April 23-26
Columnists, News
HERE AND NOW
April 22, 2026
“The Roxy’s Salute to Broadway” will be held April 23-26 at the historic Roxy Theatre in downtown Russellville. The production features music from fiv...
RHS softball goes 3-1 in NW Alabama Bash
High School Sports, Russellville Golden Tigers, Sports
Brannon King For the FCT 
April 22, 2026
The Russellville High softball team went 4-2 during a week of games that included participation in the Northwest Alabama Bash at the Sportsplex in Flo...
Red Bay wins 3 of 4; Tharptown wins 2
Belgreen Bulldogs, High School Sports, News, ...
Bart Moss For the FCT 
April 22, 2026
RedBayandTharptown led the way last week in softball with Red Bay winning 3 of 4 games and Tharptown earning a couple of big wins, downing Phil Campbe...
Competitive eater completes challenge
News, Russellville
By Addi Broadfoot For the FCT 
April 22, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — A local restaurant is getting attention after a competitive eater finished a massive meal with just seconds to spare, turning a simple ...
$4.2M paving project nears end
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
April 22, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — The final phase of a $4.2 million paving project funded through a Rebuild Alabama grant is nearing completion, marking the end of a lar...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *