By Thomas Sellers Jr.
MEMPHIS — Two of the best teams in Region 8-5A met at Crump Stadium to seize control of first place.
The Memphis Central Warriors welcomed their visitors from Tipton County, the Brighton Cardinals. In a seesaw battle, it was Central to come out on top 20-13 and gain sole position of first place.
The Warriors (6-1, 4-0) fell behind 3-0 when Cardinal Nolan Combs drilled a 27-yard field goal near the end of the first quarter.
Central took the lead for the first time in the second quarter with a touchdown run from Dontavion Davis covering 11 yards. The Warriors were ahead 7-3.
The Cardinals (5-2, 3-1) trimmed the Central lead to 7-6 as the halftime buzzer sounded when Combs nailed a 33-yard field goal.
Central came out of the locker room with big play. Warrior quarterback Chauncey Hopkins connected with Jaylen Pearson on a short pass. Pearson did the rest to record a 54-yard touchdown giving the Warriors a 13-6 advantage.
The Cardinals responded with a long drive to tie the contest. Brighton signal caller Malik Jackson capped off the drive with a 2-yard run over the goal line to deadlock the game at 13-13.
Entering the fourth quarter, Central had another big play in its arsenal. This time Hopkins located receiver Darin Turner for a 38-yard TD giving the Warriors a 20-13 lead.
Despite Brighton having a few shots to muster a comeback, the Warriors were able to run out the clock and gain control of the Region standings.
The Warriors try to remain unbeaten in league play taking on Southwind next week. Meanwhile the Cardinals have a date with Wooddale returning home next Friday at 7 p.m.
