By Myra Bean

A cross-county brawl was settled on the gridiron Saturday morning when the 7-and-8-year-old Batesville Tigers defeated the Sardis Falcons 12-6.

It was a defensive battle to the max, but the Tigers scored first on a two-yard run by LaMarcus Carr with 14 seconds left in the first quarter. The extra point attempt failed as the Tigers led 6-0 at the half.

Batesville went ahead 12-0 in the third quarter on a 29-yard run by Anterio Draper with 1:30 to go. The drive was aided by a five-yard run by Cameron Wright and an 11-yard run by Carr. Draper was named the Super Bowl MVP.

The Falcons avoided the shut out on a 67-yard run up the left side by Roderick Taylor with 19 seconds left in the third quarter.

Sardis had one possession in the fourth quarter but six penalties plagued the Falcons and they were forced to turn the ball over on downs without a score.

Batesville ended the season with an 8-2 record.

The Tigers had 105 total offensive yards, including 70 rushing and 35 passing. Quarterback Draper carried the ball 19 times for 42 yards.