A gutsy Decatur football team found another way to win Thursday night.
The undefeated Red Raiders beat Cullman, 39-36, in three overtimes.
Quarterback Ellis Dickman completed the game-winning touchdown pass to Dayton Swoopes after Cullman took a 36-33 lead in the third overtime.
Decatur is 4-0 for the first time since 2010. The Red Raiders are also 2-0 in Class 6A, Region 7.
“I’m really proud of this team for overcoming so much tonight,” Decatur head coach Jere Adcock said. “Every one of our players showed the heart of a warrior.”
The teams were tied 10-10 at halftime and 24-24 at the end of regulation.
In the first overtime, both teams scored touchdowns, but Cullman’s PAT was blocked and Decatur’s was missed to leave the game tied at 30-30.
In the second overtime, Decatur kicker Roberto Toto kicked a 35-yard field goal. Cullman matched it with a field goal for a 33-33 tie to force the third overtime.
Cullman opened the final overtime with a field goal. Decatur then answered two plays later with the game-winning touchdown.
For the night, Decatur’s first four touchdowns came from Josh Turner on a three-yard run, Jack Waller on a 34-yard pass from Dickman, Jyron McDaniel on an interception return and Kevin Duke on a pass in overtime from Dickman.
This is Decatur’s first 4-0 start since 2010 when the Red Raiders finished 9-2. The two losses in 2010 were by a combined six points.
Decatur now leads the series vs. Cullman, 35-18-2. Cullman had won the last three meetings.
The Red Raiders step out of region play next Friday with a home game vs. Hazel Green. It will be Decatur’s homecoming.