TUSCALOOSA- The Tuscaloosa Academy Knights took on the North Sand Mountain Bisons (Higdon, AL) in the first round of the 2A AHSAA Playoffs on Friday, November 8th, 2024, and defeated them 42-6.

Tuscaloosa Academy started hot out of the gate, with the Knights coming away with 21 points in the first quarter courtesy of two passing touchdowns by Tuscaloosa Academy's senior quarterback Preston Lancaster to two separate wide receivers, with Knights Junior wide receiver Kena Rego coming away with a 60-yard touchdown reception with 8:27 left in the first quarter, and then Sophmore Wide Reciever Matthew Atkins coming away with a 35-yard touchdown reception with 1:01 left

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The second quarter was similar to the first, with the Knights scoring at will, with Tuscaloosa Academy scoring 14 more points to give the Knights a commanding 35-0 lead at halftime thanks to a 45-yard touchdown pass from Lancaster to Ellis Hamiter with 3:48 left in the second quarter, and another touchdown pass from Lancaster to Rego on a 40-yard touchdown reception.

The second half saw little scoring, as Tuscaloosa Academy pulled its starters after Preston Lancaster connected with Kena Rego with 10:18 left in the third quarter for Rego's third receiving score of the game, giving Lancaster his fifth passing touchdown of the game.

North Sand Mountain scored a touchdown before the end of regulation, bringing the final score to 42-6 and ending the Bison's season after a 5-6 season. Tuscaloosa Academy will advance to the second round, where the Knights will face the Susan Moore Bulldogs (Blountsville, AL) at home next Friday, November 15, 2024.

Player of the Game

Preston Lancaster, who threw for over 5 passing touchdowns and 200 passing yards, was a crucial element in the Knights' 42-6 victory over the Bisons Friday night. Lancaster played very efficiently, taking only one sack throughout the game.

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