The Macon County High School Tigers opened regular season play Friday night on the road against Westmoreland. The Tigers had defeated the border rivals in their last three meetings, however the Eagles snapped the losing streak and came away with a 20-12 victory over the visiting Tiger team.

More than two thousand fans came out to witness week one of high school football in Westmoreland.

The two teams combined for seven turnovers during the game, with Macon County getting the heaviest penalties, a total of 9 for 60 yards.

Macon County punted on the first series of the game and Westmoreland marched 29 yards down to the Tigers six yard line. On 1st and goal from 6 with 7:18 remaining in the first quarter the Eagles fumbled a handoff, and senior Adam Patterson recovered the loose ball preventing the Eagles from scoring. With less than six minutes remaining the Tigers again held Westmoreland offense denying them a score.

MCHS senior Dale Thaxton picked off a pass from Eagles quarterback Sayne at the eight yard line putting the Tigers in good position. Macon County then returned the favor with 2:23 left in the half when sophomore Justin Harp fumbled after gaining enough yards for the Tigers only first down in the first half of the game.

Westmoreland used the opportunity to score a 32 yard touchdown with 28 seconds left in the half. The 2 point conversion try failed, and the Tigers went into the half time intermission down 6-0.

In the third quarter Dale Thaxton made some plays for the Tiger team. Within three minutes the Thaxton caught a 61 yard touchdown strike, caused a fumble deep inside Eagle territory, and translated the turnover into six points with a 12 yard touchdown scamper. The Tigers took the lead 12-6 with 8:58 left in the third.

With momentum building for a victory, the Tigers found themselves charged with a personal foul placing the ball on their 15 yard line. The Eagles fourth carry of the drive tied the game 12-12 with 6:31 left in the third quarter.

With 11:04 left in the game, Westmoreland scored on a 13 yard run to take the lead capping it off with a successful two point conversion.

Frustration with the officials and lack of preparation, the Tigers gave up two more interceptions in the their final two drives of the contest and came home with a defeat.