JACKSON – The Andalusia High School Bulldogs had four touchdowns called back on penalties, but still managed to defeat the Clarke County Bulldogs 28-14 and keep their playoff chances alive Friday night.

The Bulldogs thought they got on the board first when Elijah McClain rushed to the end zone from the 37-yard line, but it was called back after the referee threw a flag.

Andalusia didn’t waste any time after the reversed touchdown. Jake Wilson connected with Zymon Ray to get to the 4-yard line. Caleb Smallwood put the finishing touches on the drive to go up 7-0 with 3:44 left in the half.

In the third quarter, the Andy Bulldogs struck again to increase their lead when McClain ran it into the end zone again. The kick was good, and Andalusia was up 14-0 with 6:25 left in the third quarter.

Clarke County got on the board in the third quarter after their quarterback ran through the middle of the Andy defense and rushed to the end zone from the 6-yard line. Clarke County’s two-point conversion attempt failed, and the score was 14-6 with two minutes left in the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter, McClain increased the Andy lead again after rushing to the end zone from the 28-yard line. The Bulldogs’ kick was good, and the ‘Dogs were up 21-6.

Clarke County returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown and cut the Andalusia lead down to 21-14.

McClain added another touchdown to his resume with 56 seconds left in the game when he intercepted the ball on the 10-yard line and ran it all the way back for a 90-yard pick six. After the extra point, the score was 28-14.

Caleb Blackston ended any hope for Clarke County to make a comeback when he intercepted their pass to end the game.

“That’s the first time in 40-something years that I have scored 40 something points and only walked away with 28,” Andalusia head coach Trent Taylor said. “I shouldn’t say anything, but that is ridiculous.”

The Bulldogs had four touchdowns nullified by penalties.

“I really am proud of the seniors on this team,” Taylor said. “It’s amazing to see what those kids can do and what they did tonight.”

With the win, Andalusia is tied with Escambia County and Williamson – all of which have 4-3 records in the region – for the third and fourth seeds in playoffs. Andalusia defeated Williamson, but lost to Escambia County. Williamson defeated Escambia County this week. The three teams have no common non-region opponents, so the calculations likely won’t be finalized until the regular season ends next week. The Bulldogs, however, are done with regular-season play.

“There are all types of scenarios to where we will play in two weeks,” Taylor said. “We could actually be the third seed. I just hope that everything falls the way it is supposed to.”

The Bulldogs improved to 6-4, 4-3 record for the season.