November 1, 2024
By: Dwayne Page
The Upperman Bees completed an undefeated regular season Thursday night beating the DeKalb County Tigers 44-14 in Smithville.
The Class 4A #1-ranked Bees who had already clinched the Region 4-4A regular season championship last week will enter the state play-offs next week at 10-0. The Tigers’ season comes to a close with a record of 6-4 and a fifth-place finish in the region at 2-4.
The Bees delivered the first punch with 7:14 left in the 1st period on a 5-yard touchdown run by Eathan Palk, completing an 80-yard drive. QB Bronzdon Chaffin scored on the 2-point conversion run and Upperman led 8-0.
The visitors extended their lead with 1:32 left in the 1st period on a 3-yard touchdown run by Bronzdon Chaffin on a QB keeper capping a 55-yard drive. Kicker Austin Roberts tacked on the extra point and the Bees went up 15-0.
Upperman added another score with 7:36 left in the 2nd period on a 4-yard touchdown run by Ethan Palk completing a 75-yard drive. Roberts converted the PAT and Upperman led 22-0.
With 3:21 left until halftime, the Bees built a 30-0 advantage on an 11-yard touchdown run by Ethan Palk capping aan 85 yard drive coupled with a Palk 2-point conversion.
DeKalb County got on the board as the first half ended on a 12-yard touchdown pass from QB Jordan Parker to Ryan Lyons. Kicker Kaleb Gomez came on for the extra point and the score was 30-7 in favor of Upperman.
Eathan Palk scored his fourth touchdown of the night for the Bees on a 63-yard run with 6:06 left in the 3rd period capping an 80-yard drive. Roberts kicked through the extra point and Upperman was in command 37-7.
The Bees’ final touchdown of the game came on a one-yard run by Carmine Phillips with 3:34 left in the 3rd period. Roberts booted the extra point for a 44-7 Upperman lead.
The Tigers’ last touchdown of the night and for the season came with 2:03 left in the 4th period on a 4-yard run by QB Jordan Parker. Gomez added the extra point and Upperman went on to claim a 44-14 victory.