UMS-Wright beats rival St. Paul’s to extend long winning streak

The UMS-Wright Bulldogs have won a state-best 20 games in a row. Two of those were in Class 4A state championships games. But two others have been even bigger games.

The Bulldogs opened the 2019 season by extending the winning streak to 20 games and earning one of those huge victories tonight, an 18-13 decision over Old Shell Road rival St. Paul’s at Ervin S. Cooper Stadium.

The Bulldogs won without benefit of an offensive touchdown, but senior defensive back Richard Brinson caused a fumble and returned the ball 7 yards for a touchdown, then clinched the victory with a 55-yard interception return with 1:30 to go.

“The state championship comes with a little jewelry,” Brinson said. “But this one comes with a lot more pride.”

Play of the game: UMS-Wright led 12-7 when St. Paul’s took over with a chance to get in the end zone and pull off the victory. On second down from the St. Paul’s 39, quarterback J Greene tried to connect with Javonte Graves-Billups on a deep crossing route.

But Brinson read the play and made the interception on the run, then raced across the field and down the left sideline for the clinching score. The Saints’ Zack Gray returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown, but the onside kick was recovered by UMS-Wright to end the game.

Key sequence: The first possession of the game for the Saints started at their 1. A fumble resulted in a UMS-Wright touchdown by Brinson. That play set the stage for offensive struggles all night.

Stat sheet: UMS-Wright recorded only 30 rushing yards on 31 attempts and passed for 172 yards. … St. Paul’s ran for 120 yards and passed for only 44.

By the numbers: Almost all the big plays were delivered by the defenses and the special teams. The longest run from scrimmage for UMS was 9 yards. St. Paul’s had no run longer than 13 yards.

Coachspeak: “It was a lot like we figured it would be. We just hung in there against their great size. Brinson is one of our playmakers, and he made a lot of big plays tonight.” – UMS-Wright coach Terry Curtis

They said it: “When I made the interception, I kept thinking to myself, ‘Get down, get down.’ But then I saw an opening down the sideline, and I figured I might as well go ahead and score.” – Brinson

What’s next? UMS-Wright travels to the Atlanta area for a game next Saturday against Western High School from Florida. St. Paul’s will host Park Crossing from Montgomery.

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