Chipley tops Graceville 33-20

The Chipley Tigers finished off their season in style Friday night at home, taking a 33-20 victory over arch rival Graceville Tigers.

Chipley, which was eliminated from the postseason on Wednesday in a three-way shootout with Marianna and Walton, finishes the season with a record of 5-5.

It was a short turnaround for the home-standing Tigers, but they were able to rebound in only two days to end the year on a high note for first-year coach Rob Armstrong.

For Graceville, the loss ended the season at 3-7, a disappointing end for a Tigers team that was coming off of a 32-18 win over the Cottondale Hornets.

Chipley got things going in the first quarter by taking advantage of a Graceville turnover.

A fumble on Gracevilles’ opening possession set up a 40-yard scoring drive for Chipley.

Shonquelle Swain capped off the drive with a short touchdown run, with the extra point failing, to leave it at 6-0.

Graceville answered with a scoring drive of its own on the ensuing possession, with Jacky Miles taking it in on an option keeper.

The extra point made it 7-6 Graceville, and an onside kick gave the Tigers the ball right back.

Graceville was unable to convert the extra opportunity, however, with a penalty stalling the drive.

Graceville would extend the lead on its next possession, though, with Miles running it in from 5 yards out for his second touchdown of the half to make it 14-6.

Chipley responded with another touchdown run by Swain, but missed the extra point again to leave it at 14-12.

Armstrong’s team regained the lead before the half ended, however, with quarterback Josh Myers finding Josh Smith on a rollout pass for a touchdown to make it 18-14.

Chipley scored on its opening possession of the third quarter to push the lead to 25-14.

Graceville appeared poised to answer right back, but a fumble at the Chipley 15-yard line cost the road Tigers a golden scoring opportunity.

Chipley capitalized with another scoring drive to make it a 33-14 advantage.

Garrett Steverson threw a touchdown pass to Chris Works in the fourth quarter to round out the scoring for Graceville.

Graceville coach Todd Wertenberger said he was happy with how his team executed, but penalties proved to be too much to overcome.

“We played great. We fought tooth and nail to the end,” the coach said. “We had the fumble, which really killed us and we threw an interception late, but the kids fought hard the whole game.

“Even with a minute left in the game, I still thought we had a chance to come back and win it, even down by two scores. I just felt like we could do it.”