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By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

DEMOPOLIS – Despite a furious fourth-quarter rally, the Shelby County Wildcats fell just short in a 29–27 heartbreaker to Demopolis on Friday, Oct. 3.

The Wildcats fought from behind after trailing 21–7 in the third quarter, leaning on senior running back Devan Alexander, who powered the offense with 132 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 14 carries.

Shelby County’s offense found balance throughout the night, totaling 324 yards with 168 on the ground and 156 through the air. Quarterback Ryan Sipes went 12-of-20 passing for 156 yards and one touchdown, connecting frequently with Dominic Woods, Andres McGinnis and Cooper Pennington. Woods led the receiving corps with six catches for 52 yards and a score.

The Wildcats opened the game strong, taking a 7–0 lead late in the first quarter when Alexander scored from three yards out. But Demopolis responded with 21 unanswered points, including three touchdown passes from quarterback JW McAlpine to receiver Fred Aldridge to take control midway through the third.

Shelby County refused to go quietly. Alexander broke free for back-to-back rushing touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters to tie the game at 21–21. After Demopolis regained the lead on a short touchdown run and two-point conversion, the Wildcats made one final push.

With less than a minute left, Sipes found Woods across the middle for a 15-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 29–27. The two-point try to tie the game came up just short, allowing Demopolis to hold on for the narrow win.

While the result stung, Shelby County’s grit was evident as the Wildcats battled until the final whistle on the road against a perennial 5A power.

The Wildcats (3–4) will look to bounce back next Friday as they continue their road stretch in region play at Montevallo.