ROGERSVILLE — Colbert County got the first blow, but it was Lauderdale County that delivered the knockout in a key Class 3A, Region 8 clash.

After Colbert County took an early 7-0 lead, Lauderdale County scored 36 consecutive points in a dominating 36-13 win over the Indians.

Lauderdale County’s defense was dominating, as the Tigers held Colbert County to just 105 total yards and forced five turnovers, four fumble recoveries and one interception.

The loss ended Colbert County’s unbeaten streak and was the first loss suffered under head coach Dale Jeffreys.

“We had our chances early in the game,” Jeffreys said. “We dropped passes and turned the ball over, which you can’t do against a really good team like Lauderdale County.”

While Colbert County’s offense was sputtering, Lauderdale County’s offense was steamrolling up and down the field behind the arm and legs of quarterback Samuel Grisham.

Lauderdale County churned out 376 rushing yards, with 225 of them coming from Grisham.

“Our gameplan came through for us,” Lauderdale County coach Bob Grisham said. “We weren’t going to put the ball in the air too many times as long as we could grind it out on the ground.”

And grind it out they did. After Colbert County took advantage of a fumble recovery to score first on a 29-yard pass from Sam Howard to Tobias Qualls, the Lauderdale County offense went to work.

Terrell Fuqua tied the score with a 74-yard touchdown run a few minutes later before Grisham rumbled 66 yards for a score early in the third quarter to give the Tigers the lead for good. C.J. Jackson scored on a 2-yard run a few minutes later to give Lauderdale County a 21-7 lead at halftime.

Lauderdale County put the game away for good in the third quarter thanks to Grisham. The senior quarterback got things started in the second half with a 75-yard touchdown run before he threw a 63-yard touchdown pass to Lake Romine on the final play of the third quarter. It was one of only three completions for Grisham in the game.

Even a botched extra point snap turned out roses for the Tigers, as Avery Bayes picked up the ball and threw to Hunter Haney for two points after the final touchdown.

Colbert County’s only touchdown in the second half came in the final minute of the fourth quarter when Collin King picked up a fumble and raced 93 yards for a touchdown.

With the win, Lauderdale County (5-1, 3-1) tied Colbert County for second place (5-1, 3-1) in the region standings. Both teams are chasing undefeated Madison Academy for the region championship. Lauderdale County hosts West Morgan next week while Colbert County plays at Deshler.