On a rainy night at the “Bricks” Friday, the Laurel Golden Tornadoes clinched second place in Region 5-4A with a 21-14 win over county rival, the Northeast Jones Tigers.

Laurel head coach Milton Smith was proud of the way his team fought hard during the game. “I’m proud of the way the guys fought tonight,” he said. “The rain stayed away just long enough for us to get the job done. Northeast gave it all they had out there tonight. We are going to enjoy this one tonight, and get ready for next week.”

The Golden Tornadoes struck first in the game when Dontrelle Pruitt connected with Chris Smith from 2 yards out to finish off an 8-play drive that started at the Tiger 45 yardline. Mac Carmichael added the extra point, and Laurel led 7-0 with 1:53 left in the first quarter.

With 6:21 left before the half, Northeast answered when Corvell Harrison ran the ball from 7 yards out. The extra point attempt was no good, and the Tigers trailed 7-6.

Laurel answered 18 seconds later when Pruitt hit Smith down the sideline for a 65-yard touchdown reception. Carmichael’s kick was good, and the Golden Tornadoes took a 14-6 lead into the half.

The Tornadoes added their final points of the night when Pruitt tossed the ball to Smith from 47 yards out with 11:06 left in the third quarter. Carmichael’s kick was good, and Laurel led 21-6.

With 3:19 left in the game, Northeast quarterback Alec Barlow connected with Harrison from 13 yards out to end a 5-play drive which started at the Laurel 18. Lindsey Wilson scored the two-point conversion from 3 yards out.

Tiger head coach Bubba Hathorn gives, but we just could not get the turnovers we needed. Everything snowballed on us, and we just couldn’t get back in it.”

With the win Laurel, finishes as the second team in Region 5-4A, and will host Purvis Friday. The Golden Tornadoes finish the regular season at 5-5 overall and 3-2 in Region 5-4A.

For the first time in the history of Northeast Jones football, the Tigers finish with an overall record of 1-9 and finish 1-5 in the region.