The Coffee Trojans are 1-2 on the season after a 20-14 defeat at the hands of the Columbia County (Lake City, Fla.) Tigers Friday night in Lake City.
The Tigers jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter after Lake City’s Kameron Millis returned an interception 41 yards for a touchdown (6:51) and Jerome Horne scored on a one-yard run (2:50).
Early in the second quarter, Coffee’s KJ Debruce scored on a two-yard run. Chris Hernandez’s point-after cut the Tigers’ lead in half with 10:13 remaining in the second quarter. Neither team scored the remainder of the half and Columbia County took a 14-7 lead into halftime.
In the third quarter, Tigers kicker Mathan Cook hit field goals of 40 yards (6:29) and 27 yards (23 seconds) to lead 20-7 going into the fourth quarter. About halfway through the final period, Coffee quarterback Trey Ross hit Tresean Smith in the end zone for a touchdown (7:15) to turn the game into a one-possession contest.
The Trojans threatened late in the game but found themselves facing a 4th and 3 with less than a minute left. The 4th down attempt was unsuccessful and the Tigers ran out the clock from there.
Coffee is off next week before returning to Jardine Stadium for a September 12 showdown with the Gadsen County (Havana, Fla.) Jaguars. Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m.