By ANDY BROWN

The Greenville Advocate

GREENVILLE – Greenville High School scored 16 unanswered points in the second half to claim a 30-14 win against Demopolis Friday night.

With the win, Greenville moved into sole possession of first place in Class 5A, Region 3 and is just one win shy of claiming the region crown in head coach Earnest Hill’s first season.

Demopolis (4-3, 4-1 Class 5A, Region 3) took the early lead when sophomore running back Demetrius Kemp plunged into the end zone from 3 yards out to cap a nine-play drive that covered 96 yards. Senior Mitch McPherson added the extra point for a 7-0 lead.

Greenville responded on its first play from scrimmage when junior quarterback Kent Riley spun out of a tackle near midfield and raced down the left sideline for a 69-yard score. Junior Ozell Carter’s extra point tied the game at 7.

A 27-yard scoring strike from sophomore quarterback Tyler Oates to senior wide receiver Logan Holley gave Demopolis the lead with 1:46 remaining in the half. However, it was short lived. A 52-yard return by Hamilton gave Greenville the ball at the Demopolis 28-yard line. Five plays later, Riley ran it in from 6 yards out for a score. Carter’s extra point tied the game at 14.

A botched snap by Demopolis midway through the third quarter that sailed over punter Stephen Stewart’s head and through the end zone gave Greenville a 16-14 lead.

Hamilton’s touchdown runs with 5:16 remaining in the third quarter and 10:32 left in the fourth quarter sealed the win for Greenville.

Jerry Campbell led the Tigers offensively with 74 yards on seven catches while Antonio Nicholson recorded eight total tackles and forced a fumble.

Demopolis returns to action next Friday night when it hosts Brookwood for Homecoming.