White Plains made history Friday night at Mary Dumas Field.
The Wildcats defeated Talladega 35-20 to clinch their first postseason berth since 1994.
White Plains won its fifth straight game and will enter the playoffs as the No. 3 seed out of Class 3A, Region 4.
Senior quarterback Crew Martin simply wouldn’t be denied in his final opportunity to reach the postseason.
Martin threw for 130 yards, which included touchdown passes of 54 yards to freshman Carter Foster and 49 yards to junior Trace Benson. He added 67 rushing yards on 12 carries.
Foster caught two passes on the night for 78 yards. Senior wide receiver Bryson Cheatwood added three catches for 41 yards and picked up 14 yards on two rushing attempts.
Senior running back Antonio Woods led the Wildcats’ ground game, finishing with team highs in carries with 17 and yards with 76. He scored on runs of 1 and 4 yards. Junior running back Jayden Murray added 18 yards on six carries, which included a 2-yard touchdown run.
Sophomore quarterback Walker Edwards completed three passes for 43 yards.
Sophomore defensive lineman Jonah Hix led White Plains’ defensive effort with two sacks and a fumble recovery.
The Wildcats will finish region play next Friday when they host Ashville at Robertson Field.