HATTIESBURG — The Charleston High School Tigers (12-3) finish as the Class 2A state runner-up after dropping a 38-6 decision to the Heidelberg Oilers (14-1) Saturday afternoon.
Charleston led 6-0 at the end of the first quarter, and the game was tied 6-6 at the half.
Heidelberg led 20-6 at the close of the third quarter.
A combination of explosive plays by the Oilers and an unusual number of miscues and mishaps by the Tigers allowed Heidelberg to post 32 unanswered points in the second half.
Charleston's lone score came on a catch and run of about 60 yards by Marcus "Deuce" Flowers.
Last season, Charleston beat Heidelberg 26-22 in the 2A title game played at Ole Miss. It was the Tigers' second state championship in program history, and CHS was seeking its first back-to-back finals wins.
Saturday's game was played at M.M. Roberts Stadium on the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi.
