By Jesse Smithey
Austin-East not only overcame a four-point deficit in the fourth quarter Friday night to secure a 32-21 win over visiting Gatlinburg-Pittman, but it also all but assured itself a home playoff game.
The Roadrunners (5-2, 3-0 Region 2-3A) logged a 56-yard touchdown run with 7 minutes, 34 seconds left in the fourth to claim a 24-21 lead.
The Highlanders (6-2, 3-1) nearly answered, driving into A-E territory some three minutes later. But A-E’s defense stood tall and forced a turnover on downs. The Roadrunners then turned that into points. A late short-yardage touchdown with 2:27 to go put the Roadrunners ahead by 11.
Austin-East QB Trey Foster had three passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown.
Austin-East has won three consecutive games and is tied with Alcoa (7-0, 3-0) for the region lead. The two programs will play Oct. 26 for the region title, with both programs still going on to host first-round playoff games in the 3A playoffs.
Check out the gallery from photographer Shawn Millsaps…
