In a commanding performance, the Fort Payne Wildcats secured a 34-14 victory over the Mortimer Jordan Blue Devils during a competitive road matchup on March 15, 2024. The Wildcats’ junior running back, Kaiden Adams, played a pivotal role, scoring four touchdowns and leading his team to a dominant win that spoiled the Blue Devils’ Homecoming festivities.
Coach Chris Elmore praised his team’s effort, noting, “We played well, came out hot early, running the ball with Kaiden and Carter. Good team win and the defense played well all night.” The Wildcats’ defense was particularly effective, intercepting the Blue Devils’ quarterback three times in the first half, setting up crucial scoring opportunities.
The game began with Mortimer Jordan receiving the opening kickoff, aiming to establish a running game. However, their drive stalled on the ninth play when Fort Payne’s Jimmy Bassett recorded a sack, forcing a punt. Fort Payne’s first possession came with 7:45 left in the first quarter, and they quickly made an impact. On the very first play, Carter Blalock sprinted 66 yards to the Blue Devils’ 17-yard line. Adams capitalized on this momentum, scoring his first touchdown from 17 yards out, giving the Wildcats an early 7-0 lead after Hayden Chambers successfully kicked the extra point.
As Mortimer Jordan attempted to respond, the Bufflington brothers of Fort Payne showcased their defensive prowess. JP Bufflington tipped a pass that was intercepted by Patrick Bufflington, putting the Wildcats back on offense at the Blue Devils’ 34-yard line. Following a short completion, Fort Payne maintained momentum and, facing a fourth down from the five-yard line, went into their “Mountain Music” formation, allowing Adams to score again. The Wildcats extended their lead to 14-0 with 2:49 remaining in the first quarter.
The Blue Devils struggled offensively, with Fort Payne’s defense applying consistent pressure. On the third play of Mortimer Jordan’s next drive, Cooper Jackson made a diving interception at the 39-yard line. This setup another scoring opportunity for the Wildcats. Adams scored his third touchdown of the game from 10 yards out, increasing the lead to 21-0 after another successful extra point from Chambers.
Despite a promising position following a turnover, Mortimer Jordan could not capitalize as their quarterback was intercepted for the third time before the half. This time, the interception came from Preston Ledford, who caught the pass at the two-yard line. Adams then delivered a 65-yard run on the first play of the subsequent drive, positioning Fort Payne for yet another score. Eventually, Chambers added a 36-yard field goal, extending the Wildcats’ lead to 24-0 just before halftime.
As the third quarter commenced, both teams exchanged punts until Fort Payne capped a six-play drive with a remarkable 57-yard field goal from Chambers. Coach Elmore noted the unusual circumstances surrounding the kick, stating, “I iced my own kicker during the 57-yard field goal.” This effort put the Wildcats ahead 27-0 with 6:26 left in the third quarter.
Mortimer Jordan finally found the end zone, completing an 80-yard drive with a 33-yard tunnel screen to make the score 27-7. However, Fort Payne swiftly responded with a nine-play, 61-yard drive, concluding with Adams’ fourth touchdown of the night, solidifying the Wildcats’ lead at 34-7.
The Blue Devils made one last effort, scoring an 11-yard touchdown after an 80-yard drive, bringing the final score to 34-14 with 6:25 remaining. Despite having the ball one more time, Fort Payne was unable to score again, finishing the game with a strong defensive stance as time expired.
Adams finished the game with an impressive 127 rushing yards and four touchdowns, along with a reception for 20 yards. Other notable performances included Bentley Webb with 53 rushing yards and Blalock with 80 yards. Quarterback Blake Griggs completed 9 of 17 passes for 99 yards, contributing to the Wildcats’ overall success.
With this victory, Fort Payne improved to a record of 4-1 and 2-0 in the league, setting the stage for their upcoming Homecoming game against Buckhorn next Friday, which promises to be another exciting region matchup.
