PREP FOOTBALL: Good Hope’s playoff run concludes with 43-14 loss to Anniston

Published 4:30 am Saturday, November 16, 2024

Good Hope was aware of the challenge it faced going into Friday’s game with Anniston. 

As Raiders coach Alan Scott noted earlier this week, the Bulldogs are better than their record, and unfortunately for Good Hope, Anniston proved it with a 43-14 win in the second round of the Class 4A playoffs.

The loss ends the season for the No. 6 Raiders (10-2).

Anniston (7-5) established itself early, jumping out to a 16-0 lead in the first half behind the play of Damon Pope. Pope registered two more touchdowns in the third quarter to extend his team’s lead to 29-0 entering the fourth.

Good Hope was able to get on the board in the final period, with Tyler Cone throwing a touchdown pass to Tucker Malin. The Raiders added another score later in the contest as Parker Johnson connected with Carter Rutherford for six.

Despite the loss, it was a season to remember for Good Hope. 

The Raiders returned to the postseason following a 3-7 campaign in 2023, marking its sixth playoff berth in the last seven years. Good Hope also went undefeated in Region 5 play to earn the program’s first region title since 2007.

Anniston, meanwhile, will host No. 4 West Morgan next week for a spot in the semifinals.