The Cass Colonels (4-5, 2-2) defeated the Hiram Hornets on Friday night by a score of 26-21 to remain alive in its postseason hopes.

Things did not start off well for the Colonels, however. Hiram scored on the first play from scrimmage following the opening kickoff as Jemarion Whatley took the handoff 65-yards to the house. The Cass offense was able to answer as Brodie McWhorter threw a 33-yard touchdown pass to Devin Henderson. Unfortunately, Cass missed the PAT and trailed 7-6.

Both defenses held strong but Hiram would score the game’s next points on an odd play. Cass fumbled the football. Hiram recovered the ball, but many thought the play was dead. Hiram continued to run with the football and ran into the end zone. The Hornets would hold a 14-6 lead. Those would be the final points for Hiram until late in the fourth quarter.. Cass scored before the half as McWhorter once again connected with Henderson but the offense missed the 2-point conversion. The Colonels would trail by two at the half, but would get the ball to begin the second half.

Both defenses held the offenses in check but as the third quarter was expiring, Cass was moving into the Hiram red zone. A few plays later, Kevin Henderson scored on a 3-yard rushing touchdown. The Colonels would add a 2-point conversion to take a 6-point lead – their first of the night. After forcing another Hiram punt, Cass once again marched down the field. This time, McWhorter capped the drive with a 2-yard rushing score. Cass missed the 2-point conversion but held a 12-point lead.

Hiram looking at a 4th-and-2 on the following possession threw an interception with under six minutes remaining. Cass was unable to move the chains and chew time off the clock and Hiram made the Colonels pay. The Hornets would cap a six play, 58-yard drive with a fourth down conversion for a score. Samir Wylie connected with Chase Tyler to bring Hiram within a score.

The Hornets attempted an onside kick, but the Colonels wrapped it up. Hiram had just two timeouts left, meaning Cass would need to gain some yardage and chew some clock to seal the game. Facing a 4th-and-5 at the Hiram 39-yard line, Cass elected to try and convert and put the game away. McWhorter dropped back to pass but the ball was batted in the air. As it tumbled towards the turf, offensive lineman David Pinson caught it and picked up enough yardage for the first down. That sealed the game. Cass ran out the clock and kept its postseason hopes alive in a thrilling victory.

Cass will travel to Calhoun next Friday night at with kickoff set for 7:30.