CHATTANOOGA- A shanked extra point was all that separated the Howard Hustling Tigers and the Cleveland Blue Raiders on Saturday night at Finley Stadium in the victoryswap.com Chattanooga Kickoff Classic as the Raiders held on for a 7-6 win.

     Cleveland was very impressive on their opening drive of the ball game as quarterback Tucker Tipton turned in a 20 yard run while Marcus Davis added a nice 12 yard dash to put Cleveland in business. Isaiah Nichols covered the last five yards of the drive as he banged his way into the endzone for the touchdown and a 7-0 Cleveland lead.

     The Cleveland defense held Howard to only three plays each on their first two drives but a long Howard pass somehow found its mark deep in Cleveland territory as the Tigers would find the endzone a couple of plays later. The PAT was no good leaving the score at 7-6.

     Cleveland will open the season on Friday, August 29th at Bradley.

     In other action on Saturday Bradley and Tyner tied at 7 all, Chattanooga Central beat Silverdale 12-7, Grace topped Hixson 7-6 and McMinn County and Red Bank fought to a 7-7 tie.

By BRYAN and ASHTON GRISHAM
VSB Sports Writers