GREENWOOD – With a heat advisory being issued throughout the Delta area Saturday night, it would be the Tri-County Heroes who left a burning trail on R.R. Pickett Field.

     Led by the passing-running combination of quarterback Jimmy Johns and a bend-but-don’t-break defense, the Heroes authored a 20-13 win over the Delta (Leflore County) Blaze at Amanda Elzy High School.

     With the win, by Tri-County  improved to 3-2 in the Gridiron Developmental Football League’s Impact Conference’s Gulf Coast Division.  The Blaze fell to 1-4.

     Tri-County begins a 3-game homestand Saturday at King Field, hosting the Louisiana (Hammond) Bayou Vipers; the pre-season No. 11-ranked team in the GDFL.  Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

     Tri-County struck quickly  at the 7:05 mark of the opening period.  A 1-play, 44-yard drive culminated when Johns found receiver Damoyn Carroll on a 44-yard scoring strike.  Ryan Weaver’s PAT kick split the uprights for a 7-0 Hero lead.

     On the ensuing kickoff, the Blaze  responded quickly with a 3-play, 77-yard march.  Receiver Donell Williams was on the receiving end of a 74-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Oscar Martin.  The PAT kick was blocked by Morrero McCoy and Delta trailed 7-6.

     The Blaze, coached by Darrell Sproles, took their only lead of the game with 6:30 left in the third.  Martin called his own number from 1-yard out.  Kendall Evans’ PAT kick was good for a 13-7 lead.

     Johns, who would have a hand in all 3 Hero scores, used his feet on a 1-yard run at the 3:13 mark of the third.  Weaver’s kick was good and Tri-County regained the advantage at 14-13.

     Led by a ferocious defensive assault, the Heroes managed to overcome several early turnovers to snuff out the Blaze.

     “We did what we needed to do to get a win,” said Hero head coach Phil Campbell.  “We made a lot of mistakes early on, but our defense came through when we needed them to.  I am so proud of all the guys for not quitting.”

     Johns racked up 300 yards of total offense, with 287 yards on 12 of 18 passing.  Carroll led all receivers with 134 yards on 4 receptions and a pair of scores.  Ronnie McNulty led the ground game with 43 yards on 5 rushes.

     Evans paced Delta with 84 yards on 13 carries, and 3 catches for 21 yards. 

     Defensively, McCoy was in on 7 tackles, 2 stops for losses, and a blocked kick. Jazzmen Guy and Jessie Bowman had a sack apiece.  Anthony Caffie and Courtney Hall each had an interception.