Reyer's Overtime Touchdown Run Propels Choctaws to 33-27 Win
CLINTON, MS - Senior quarterback Tommy Reyer scampered in from eight yards out in the first overtime to give the Choctaws a 33-27 win over Millsaps in the 12th annual "Backyard Brawl" at Robinson-Hale Stadium on Saturday night.
In the 50th meeting between MC and the Majors, the Choctaws needed extra time to win the third game in-a-row between the cross-town rivals. It's the first time either team has won three straight since MC won from 1948-1950.
Overtime was forced when Millsaps missed a 37-yard field goal to end regulation. The Majors took the first possession of extra time and turned the ball over on downs.
The Choctaws moved to the 10-yard line on a pass interference call against the Majors. Reyer needed just two plays to score the game-winner from eight yards out.
The Athens, AL native rushed for 42 yards on 20 carries, while passing for 190 yards and two touchdowns.
Senior running back Steven Knight led the Choctaws with 97 yards rushing on 14 carries. Overall, MC ran for 177 yards 54 rushes with two scores.
The Choctaws opened the scoring on a 38-yard field goal by junior Chris Campbell and extended the lead to 10-0 with a 21-yard touchdown run by senior Qin Mobley.
Millsaps would score 13 unanswered points to take a three-point lead into the halftime break. Freshman Beau Brady nailed two field goals, while quarterback Garrett Pinciotti connected with Kegan Joplin for a five-yard touchdown.
Pinciotti finished the game 18-35 for 263 yards and three touchdowns.
Junior Fred Williams caught a 17-yard touchdown pass from Reyer to open the scoring in the second half and give the Choctaws a 17-13 advantage.
Pinciotti led the Majors back with two scoring drives of over 50 yards that ended with touchdown passes, highlighted by a 60-yard scoring toss to Dustin Fawcett.
Reyer connected with junior Randal Pharr for an 18-yard touchdown to cut the lead to 27-24 with 12:22 remaining in the game.
Campbell knotted the game with his second field goal of the game, a 19-yarder, with just 4:14 remaining to set up the final act.
For the game, the Choctaws outgained the Majors, 367-342, with a balanced attack: 177 rushing yards, 190 passing yards.
The kicking game was solid as Campbell made both field goal attempts and senior Jacob Chancellor averaged 38.3 yards per punt with two landing inside the 20.
Senior Jeremy Bertrand led the Choctaws with 10 tackles, including six solo stops. Senior Jarryn Bingham tallied 2.0 TFL and one sack.
The Majors were paced by Jeb White with 10 tackles, including nine solo. Jordan Nolan led the way with 3.0 TFL, while Randy Thackrey and Leland Elchos each recorded sacks.
The Choctaws have now won five of the last six meetings against the Majors with the last three being by a total of 11 points.
MC will face another cross-town rival when they travel to Belhaven on September 10th at 6:00 p.m. at H.T. Newell Field.
