Mortimer Jordan linebackers Daniel Franklin (34) and Garrett Helm (22) tackle Cullman running back Jayden Sullins Friday night in Woodard Stadium. 

CULLMAN—He knew it would split the uprights long before he put toe to leather.

Mortimer Jordan junior kicker Ferram Sanchez gathered his snapper and holder for what would be the game-winning field goal Friday night in Woodard Stadium in Cullman. The righty swung true on his 20-yard attempt, giving the Blue Devils (1-1) their first lead of the game at the 1:56 mark of the fourth quarter.

The defense held thanks to a fourth-down pass breakup by Garrett Helm, and Class 5A Mortimer Jordan earned its first win over a Class 6A opponent since August of 2016. Head coach Dusty Goode’s first win of the season comes by a final of 18-16 over the Cullman Bearcats (1-1).

“I was really confident that we were about to win the game, honestly,” said Sanchez of his go-ahead make. “I was pumped. I love these guys and I love playing football. This is amazing.”

The game-winning drive was extended by some timely footwork from junior quarterback Kourtlan Marsh, who scrambled left on a 4th-and-14 and split two defenders at the Cullman sideline to reach the stick by the nose of the football. He later converted a 3rd-and-13 with a 20-yard strike to Garek Hall at the Bearcat 9-yard line.

Four snaps later, Sanchez split the uprights.

“Coming to Cullman in their stadium in front of this big crowd is the most awesome feeling… I couldn’t be more proud of my guys as I am right now,” said Goode.

His defense held Cullman to negative yardage in the second half, which started with a 16-7 Bearcat lead.

Cullman’s two first half touchdowns were nearly mirror images. Sophomore quarterback Max Dueland started and ended the first half with touchdown throws to senior Ezra Burks.

Dueland hit the big back on a play-action pitch to the flat on the game’s opening drive, converting a 4th-and-5 with 25 yards to paydirt. The two hooked up once more on the final series of the half, as Dueland rolled right and hung one up down the left sideline where Burks cradled it in for a 29-yard score with only seconds remaining.

That would be Cullman’s final score of the night.

Mortimer Jordan lost three fumbles, turned the ball over on downs twice and botched a punt with a high snap that rolled through the back of the end zone, resulting in a safety. However, the Blue Devils did execute with their back against the wall.

“We don’t practice mistakes, but kids make them. We just need a great week and keep on improving,” said Goode. “But I’m very proud of my team and I love this bunch.”

His bunch scored first on a 6-yard run by Marsh early in the second frame. The six-play drive evened the contest at 7-all.

The Blue Devils’ only other score of the game came off a short Daniel Franklin touchdown rush late in the third. He also provided the 2-point conversion to cut the Cullman advantage to only 2 points with 4:41 remaining in the third.

Mortimer Jordan opens Region 5 play next week with a home game against Center Point.