ALTON — The Alton Redbirds came up just short Friday night, falling to the visiting Collinsville Kahoks 30-28 in a back-and-forth Southwestern Conference football battle.
Collinsville struck first in the opening quarter when Lazarion Steward scored on a 3-yard touchdown run with 9:06 remaining. The Kahoks converted the two-point conversion to take an 8-0 lead.
Alton answered in the second quarter behind quarterback Josh Lumpkins. Lumpkins broke loose for a 75-yard touchdown run to cut the Collinsville lead to 8-7.
The Kahoks responded when Kingston Anderson hauled in a 39-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 16-7.
Alton continued to battle and found the end zone late in the first half. Lataveon Harley caught a 3-yard touchdown pass with just seven seconds remaining. The Redbirds converted the two-point conversion, tying the game at 15-15 heading into halftime.
Lumpkins gave Alton its first lead of the night in the third quarter when he broke free for a 70-yard touchdown run with 4:03 remaining in the period. The score put the Redbirds ahead 22-15.
Collinsville quickly answered, with Elijha Ramey scoring on a 23-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 22-22 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Kahoks regained the lead in the final period when Anderson scored his second touchdown of the night on a 30-yard reception. Collinsville converted another two-point try to take a 30-22 advantage.
Alton refused to go away.
Lumpkins connected with Josiah Stewart on a 38-yard touchdown pass, bringing the Redbirds within two points with time remaining.
Alton attempted the two-point conversion to tie the game, but the attempt was unsuccessful.
Collinsville then was able to run out the remaining clock and escape with the 30-28 victory.
Lumpkins led the Alton offense with two long touchdown runs and also threw a touchdown pass, while Stewart, Harley, and the Redbirds’ offense continued to battle throughout the night.
Despite the loss, Alton stayed within striking distance throughout the game before Collinsville made the final plays necessary to secure the two-point victory.
