Harrell’s Overtime Heroics Lift Nettleton Past Brookland, 29–28

Nettleton 29, Brookland 28

JONESBORO — Nettleton survived a seesaw rivalry with a gutsy finish. Senior running back Xavier Harrell powered in from 10 yards out in overtime and then kept the ball again for the two‑point conversion, lifting the Raiders past Brookland 29–28 on Friday night. The winner capped a furious rally after Brookland scored first in the extra session.

Harrell finished with three rushing touchdowns and the decisive conversion, anchoring an attack that leaned on junior quarterback Marcus Jefferson’s poise. The Raiders added a nine‑yard scoring pass in the second quarter as Nettleton matched big plays with drives. The defense delivered when it mattered most, pitching a second‑half shutout to force overtime.

Brookland set the tone early behind senior Gabe Carter, who burst for a 55‑yard touchdown run in the first quarter and added a four‑yard score before halftime. The Bearcats reclaimed momentum in OT when Carter punched in a seven‑yard run and senior specialist/defensive back Dot Aloh stayed perfect on extra points. Brookland’s offensive front controlled long stretches, opening creases for Carter and keeping the chains moving.

The closing sequence belonged to Nettleton. After Brookland went ahead 28–21, the Raiders answered with Harrell’s 10‑yard dash and head coach Steven Hampton rode his hand on the deciding snap. Harrell delivered again, slicing across the goal line for the two‑point try.

Both programs showed their ceiling in a conference matchup. Under head coach Mark Hindsley, Brookland took a step forward, while Hampton’s Raiders showed composure that travels into the heart of league play.

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter — Brookland: Touchdown not listed in live log (kick good), Brookland 7–0. Nettleton: Xavier Harrell 7‑yd run (kick good), 7–7. Brookland: Gabe Carter 55‑yd run (Aloh kick), Brookland 14–7.
2nd Quarter — Nettleton: 9‑yd pass TD (kick good), 14–14. Brookland: Carter 4‑yd run (Aloh kick), Brookland 21–14.
3rd Quarter — Nettleton: Harrell 30‑yd run (kick good), 21–21.
4th Quarter — No scoring.
OT — Brookland: Carter 7‑yd run (Aloh kick), Brookland 28–21. Nettleton: Harrell 10‑yd run; Harrell 2‑pt rush, Nettleton 29–28.

Players who stood out

• Xavier Harrell (Nettleton, RB) — three rushing TDs plus go‑ahead 2‑pt in OT.

• Gabe Carter (Brookland, Sr.) — three rushing TDs, sparked early lead.

• Dot Aloh (Brookland, SS/WR) — perfect on PATs, two‑way impact.

• Marcus Jefferson (Nettleton, QB/SS) — steady command, balance to run game.

• Damin Coleman (Nettleton, MLB) — tone‑setter in a second‑half shutout.