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Alabama High School Football Scores: Ohatchee, New Hope break scoring record in 76-71 thriller

hunterby: Hunter Shelton08/24/24HunterShelton_
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Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

It didn’t take long for the 2024 Alabama high school football season to bring the drama.

History was made on Friday night, as Ohatchee defeated New Hope, 76-71. The 147 total points marks the most points scored between two teams in a regulation game without going into overtime in Alabama High School Athletic Association history, according to AHSAA online records.

It’s the second most points scored in any game in AHSAA history, only behind a 2023 contest that saw Central-Hayneville defeat Billingsley 78-72 in triple overtime.

The shootout featured a dramatic ending, too.

With just 4.1 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Ohatchee found itself down 71-70 with the ball at the New Hope 37-yard line. Ohatchee quarterback Jake Roberson dropped back to midfield and proceeded to heave a Hail Mary to the right side of the end zone, where two Ohatchee receivers were battling a trio of New Hope defenders.

In true dramatic fashion, the pass was tipped, but receiver Brayden Collins tracked the ball and reached back with his left hand, securing the unbelievable touchdown as time expired to give his team the season-opening victory:

Ohatchee, a 3A program, entered Friday night as the No. 201 team in the state of Alabama, according to the On3 Massey Ratings — a model that was officially used during the BCS era and has generated college high school sports team rankings since 1995, ranking sports teams by analyzing game outcomes, strength of schedule and margin of victory.

The Indians won just five games a season ago and are searching for their first winning season since 2021, when they won nine games. They’ll return to action at home next Friday, Aug. 30, taking on Locust Fork (Ala.).

New Hope will look to rebound next week, as it will also get back on the gridiron next Friday to take on Kate Duncan Smith DAR at home.