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<p>By West Kerr<br><strong>LowcoSports.com</strong></p>
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<p>Just as the Whale Branch Warriors put one hand firmly on the Region 7-1A title Friday, it suddenly slipped away from their grasp.</p>
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<p>Despite a monster three-touchdown game from Joseph Hicks, the Warriors couldn’t hold onto a 17-point halftime lead Friday, falling at home to Baptist Hill 30-25.</p>
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<p>The Bobcats adjusted tremendously after the break, as a quarterback change sparked the visitors’ ground game to score 22 unanswered points and shock the third-ranked Class 1A Warriors. Whale Branch was unable to capitalize in the red zone, throwing a costly interception and failing to cash in on a 4th-and-3 while being shut out in the second half.</p>
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<p>Hicks delivered a tremendous all-around performance in the defeat, running for 195 yards and three scores on 20 carries while adding an interception on defense. The senior scored from 42, 57, and 23 yards out for his second straight three-touchdown game.</p>
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<p>Kai’Shawn Jenkins connected with Jakhi Pusha for a 32-yard touchdown pass, and Keith Chisolm notched an interception.</p>
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<p>Whale Branch (3-1, 2-1) looks to bounce back Friday in a home contest against Cross.</p>
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