An undefeated regular season will not be happening for the Fayette County Tigers this year.

Stockbridge scored 13 unanswered points in the second half to defeat visiting Fayette County 27-14 Friday in the teams’ season opener.

It was Fayette’s first regular-season loss since 2006; Fayette went 10-0 during the regular season last year.

Fayette didn’t take long to strike first against Stockbridge.

Running back Tim Pettaway had the end zone in his sights on the first play from scrimmage, breaking free through the line for 35 yards before fumbling. His teammate, wide receiver Chadd Jones, scooped up the ball and ran it in for a touchdown.

Stockbridge scored the next two two touchdowns, one each in the first and second quarters, then Fayette quarterback Floyd Jensen scored on an 8-yard run in the second quarter to tie the game at 14 at halftime.

Fayette’s inexperienced offense — Pettaway is the lone returning starter — was shut down the rest of the way by Stockbridge’s defense. And Stockbridge went on to score 13 points in the second half.

Field position was a decisive factor in Stockbridge’s victory, according to Fayette coach Tommy Webb.

Aside from one drive, Stockbridge started each of its series in the second half from within the 50-yard line; Fayette, meanwhile, started each series from the 20-yard line and back.

“Field position definitely hurt us,” Webb said. “It was a major determining factor for both sides. We struggled to get first downs, and Stockbridge played on a short field. They had two short-field touchdowns.”

Fayette held the edge in total yards of offense, finishing with 193 yards to Stockbridge’s 160. Fayette’s offense was led by Pettaway, who had 13 carries for 74 yards rushing.

Webb lauded the play of five players from his defense: linebackers Evan Reid (nine total tackles, one for loss, three quarterback hurries) and Andre Columbus (nine total tackles, one for loss), defensive ends Brian Ediomioya (10 total tackles, three for loss, two sacks) and Martiniek Adamson (seven total tackles, three for loss) and cornerback Tashawn Pettaway (nine total tackles).

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