31-year itch

Pope, Judkins come through with big plays as Anniston rallies to beat Plainview 32-29, reach Super 7 for the first time since 1994.

By Joe Medley
East Alabama Sports Today

PLAINVIEW — Anniston’s 31-year wait for a Super 7 appearance looked like it might take longer Friday.

Then Tariq Judkins blocked a punt, and Damon Pope earned redemption.

Judkins’ partial block and Eli Lanier’s recovery gave the Bulldogs another chance, and Pope made good with a 6-yard touchdown run with 4.3 seconds left to lift Anniston to a 32-29 victory in Friday’s Class 4A state semifinal at Plainview.

Anniston (14-0), the 4A North champion, will play South champion and defending state champion Jackson in the state finals Dec. 5 at 11 a.m. at Birmingham’s Protective Stadium.

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