The annual Lions Trophy football game continues to be the longest standing game in Delaware state history. The passion between the Seaford and Laurel fans and communities is once again the talk of the towns, as Bob Dowd Stadium was host to the game last Friday.

True to the historical competition, the game was tied with three seconds remaining in the fourth quarter when Laurel senior quarterback Micah Niblett took a direct snap and pushed for the winning touchdown. The Bulldogs rushed the field in celebration of the 20-14 win over Seaford. After the win, Laurel coach Kevin Niblett said, “Seeing the crowds here tonight was awesome. You can go and play at different levels, even the NFL but there is nothing like Friday night lights. These kids will never forget this moment right here.”

“We were about to kick it, I don’t know what really happened but they would have blocked it. We prayed together on the first time out, but then the flag came, so we punched it in,” said Micah Niblett, the son of Coach Niblett. “I give all the Glory to God, my parents raised me right, I am never going to give up. My dad got me in the gym last year and I am faster now.”

Coach Niblett, a 1990 Laurel graduate, said of the emotion of the win, “The last game I ever played was on this field (Seaford) and I was heartbroken because that was my last game. It is a great rivalry and Coach Phillips is doing great things and we are hoping we all keep on representing the southern Delaware.”

Because of the breakup of the conference to districts, the teams do not play in the Henlopen North and South, so the local rivalry games keep the southern team communities excited.

Laurel won the coin toss, witnessed by Laurel kindergarten student Remington Riggleman, the daughter of Leslie and Morgan Riggleman, who courageously battles leukemia. Two events are planned to help raise awareness and support for Remington: Oct. 17- “A Day of Fun, Hope, & Community” beginning at 11 a.m. at the Seaford VFW and on Oct. 18 at The Jays Nest field, “Runs for Remy” a charity slow-pitch tournament. Go to Facebook for more information.

In the first quarter, most offensive plays ended with a punt by both teams. Strong defense by Seaford’s Everette Burton and K’marion Hall pushed back the line of Laurel. For the Bulldogs’ defense Derick Worthy, Kayden Gattis, and Jy’Ziah Carmine kept Seaford backed-up.

Seaford’s Sincere Harris read the pass of Niblett, stepped into the path and intercepted the ball at the 45 yard-line. The Bulldogs held the line and Seaford punted and first quarter ended without a score.

Seaford scored on its first possession of the second quarter on a flea flicker as Jose Serpa ran to the end zone. Laurel stopped the two-point play and Seaford led, 6-0.

Niblett powered through on a keeper to gain two straight first down runs. Hall stopped the next run behind the line of scrimmage and an intended pass was broken up by Burton. Seaford gave back 15 on a personal foul that moved the ball inside the 10 yard-line. The Blue Jays were called for a late hit and the ball placed at the two yard-line. Niblett scored the first touchdown for the Bulldogs and the PAT was missed for a 6-6 score.

Seaford chewed up clock time with Burton in control of the plays, using a pitch to Je’Viohn Hurst and three keepers that resulted in a touchdown from the two yard-line. Seaford scored two points on a pass to  Hall for the 14-6 lead.

Laurel started at their own 22 yard-line and plays by Ashton Ayres-Lucas, Carter Maddox, and Niblett moved the ball to the red zone. A sack by Hall moved the ball back 14 yards and after Ty’Aire Buffalo chased down Niblett, Laurel was back 27 yards. On the final play of the half, Jordan Trammell broke up a pass intended for Ayres-Lucas at the one yard-line to keep the Blue Jays in the lead, 14-6.

In the third quarter, both teams ended their first possessions with a punt however, the Blue Jays’ bad snap resulted in a race for the ball and a safety for the Bulldogs and a score of 14-8.

Laurel’s Kayden Gattis took the kick-off and returned the ball to the 45 yard-line. A pass to Gannon Pugh added six yards and a personal foul against Seaford added 15 yards. A touchdown pass from Niblett to Za-Bryan Eley, and a missed two point play tied the score at 14-14.

Seaford held possession until the Blue Jays turned the ball over on downs when the pass intended for Jai’khai Stanley was tipped by Laurel.

In the final quarter, Laurel opened with possession and a yellow flag moved the ball for the Bulldogs to the nine yard-line. Niblett moved right and was chased down by Burton, Niblett fumbled, and Seaford recovered the ball but it was called out of bounds. Laurel attempted a pass to the end zone but turned it over on downs inside its own 10 yard-line.

Laurel’s defense held Seaford with tackles by Pugh and Tristen Johnson and Brynnen Thompson almost had an interception. The Bulldogs would get their interception on the next Seaford possession when Matt Givens took possession at the 47 yard -line.

The Bulldogs moved to the 36 yard-line on a carry by Maddox. The clock wound down to 51 seconds and Seaford was called for a hold. Laurel was fluffed for an illegal shift and with six seconds on the clock and on fourth down, Laurel set up for a field goal. Seaford was flagged and the ball was moved to the three yard-line. Niblett scored the touchdown for the Lions Trophy win.

 Focusing on the next game, Coach Niblett said, “It is one game, getting better every practice. We are young in some areas, while more experienced in others.”

The team of coaches have developed a quick connection, “The kids are bought in, we are getting better. I surround myself with coaches that I coached, they are different levels, different age groups, and we pulled it all together. It is a great small town football, nothing like it. Friday night lights, it is great, I felt it tonight.”

Laurel stats: Micah Niblett, 158 passing yards and a touchdown and 55 rushing yards and two touchdowns; Carter Maddox, 42 rushing yards; Ashton Ayres-Lucas, 12 catches for 98 yards; Za’Bryan Eley, three catches for 42 yards and one touchdown; and Tristen Johnson, 14 tackles and two sacks.

Seaford- Rushing yards: Je’Viohn Hurst 66, Jose Serpa 55; Passing: Everette Burton 62 yards; Receiving: K’marion Hall two for 46 yards, Jai’khai Stanley one for 23 yards.