Macon County had one of the largest fan presences in the stands at Finley Stadium of any team taking part in the three-day, nine-game BlueCross Bowl this year in Chattanooga.
The Tigers gave their supporters plenty to cheer about during Saturday’s TSSAA Class 4A final against Melrose — and with a 45-14 win, something to always treasure.
The Lafayette program earned its first state championship as the Tigers put forth a resounding effort, and the sunshine glistened off the gold ball trophy on the sideline after Macon County (13-2) outgained Melrose (11-4) 402-212 in total offense, with 370 of those yards coming on the ground.
“This is going to be something we will never forget,” Macon County senior Gabe Borders said. “We are going to go home, and not just now or tomorrow or the next week, but years down the road they are going to remember us and that we were the first Macon County football team to win a state championship. This community is so special, along with the friendships we have all made.”
Gabe provided the game’s opening score when he tricked the Golden Wildcats from Memphis by rolling right before throwing a perfect pass over the defense to quarterback Luke Gammon, resulting in a 32-yard touchdown with 9:17 to play in the second quarter.