PREP FOOTBALL: Lee-Scott knocked out by Bessemer

BESSEMER — Bessemer Academy’s usually strong running game was held in check, but it got big plays from wide receiver Calvin Perry to defeat Lee-Scott Academy, 17-13, in the first round of the AISA AAA playoffs.

The game opened with a 15-play, 7:49 drive by Lee-Scott that culminated when Sam Cowles scored from 1 yard out on 4th down.

Bessemer Academy was unable to get on track in the first quarter offensively, but the defense tightened, and held Lee-Scott for the rest of the first half.

Bessemer Academy’s first two scores were set up by interceptions by safety T. J. Barr. The first interception led to a 47-yard field goal by Jordan Ikner with 1:50 left in the first half.

On Lee-Scott’s next possession, it tried a halfback pass, and Barr again intercepted it, returning 12 yards to the Lee-Scott 21-yard line, setting up a 1-yard touchdown run by J. J. Bias with 23 seconds left in the first half.

Bessemer Academy (9-3) went three-and-out to open the second half.

Lee-Scott (6-5) then went on another long 63 yard drive, but had to settle for a 25-yard Michael Jensen field goal. Lee-Scott then surprised Bessemer with an onside kick, but the Rebels’ defense held and took over at their own 4-yard line.

Calvin Perry and quarterback Austin Gray took over from here.

Bessemer scored on a four-play drive with catches by Perry for 22, 50 and 29 yards for a touchdown.

“Austin did a great job of putting the ball where I could go up and make a play on it,” Perry said.

Perry finished the game with 150 yard on four catches and a touchdown.

Lee-Scott drove to the Bessemer 6-yard line before a sack on third down by T. J. Barr forced another Jensen filed goal.

“Lee-Scott did a great job of taking away our ground game, but our defense carried us today,” Bessemer coach Josh Wright said.

“Perry also came up big; he has the chance to be a really special player.”

Bessemer Academy will travel to face No. 1 Fort Dale in Greenville next week.