Red Bay’s Troy Borden racked up 87 yards and a score, along with two touchdown passes, in Friday’s game against Cherokee.

By Bart Moss for the FCT

Red Bay’s Tate Ozbirn eclipsed the 100-yard mark for the third straight week, helping Red Bay to a 42-12 win over Cherokee in the Class 2A, Region 8 opener for both teams.

Ozbirn, who has rushed for 392 yards through three games, finished with 107 yards and a touchdown for the Tigers.

Troy Borden added 87 yards and a score, while Reed Holt had 72 yards and a touchdown. Borden also threw a pair of touchdown passes.

“I told the team we needed a good week of work, and we did,” Red Bay coach Michael Jackson said. “Cherokee has improved a lot. They have a lot of talent and have a new coach. They are going to get better as the season progresses. Our guys had to work hard, and it paid off. We got to play a lot of kids, and that will pay off later in the season with added depth.”

Red Bay jumped in front 14-0 in the first quarter on Troy Borden’s 7-yard run and Holt’s 37-yard run.

Cherokee converted a turnover into an 18-yard TD pass from Arian Strong to Jesus Padron to trim Red Bay’s lead to 14-6.

A 43-yard kickoff return by Nick Thorn set up Borden’s 21-yard TD pass to Holt. Ozbirn’s three-yard run closed the half as Red Bay led 28-6.

Skyler Brazil and Holt each had interceptions in the third quarter. Holt’s pick led to Borden’s 43-yard TD pass to Thorn.

Josh Wilson closed Red Bay’s scoring with a three-yard run in the fourth quarter.

Red Bay is 3-0 overall and 1-0 in region play. The team will travel to Sulligent Friday night.