BAY MINETTE, Alabama—The Baldwin County High Tigers sunk 20-of-22 free throws in double overtime to claim an 85-67 home win in a packed house over traditional arch rival Escambia County Friday night.

Andre Cox and BCHS company rallied from six-point deficits in the fourth quarter and the first overtime to tie the score at 59-59 and 65-65. Justin Mayes then gave the Tigers a quick lead 69-65 just 55 seconds into the double OT with a steal and score and a pair of singles from the line.

The Blue Devils' Tyrell Ford made a pair at the line to tighten the margin, but ECHS then committed back-to-back turnovers and BC answered with a 16-2 shut-the-door run.

"It's always like this," said BCHS Lorenzo Hunter. "When we play each other, its all cards on the table and it's great for getting ready for the playoffs, too."

The two communities are less than half-an-hour drive apart across the county line and in different classifications, BCHS in 6A and ECHS in 4A, but it is the oldest public school rivalry, if not one of the oldest in Southwest Alabama.

"I think the fact that we're in—or represent—different counties but are also so close to each other helps make it exciting. A lot of folks who live in Bay Minette work in Atmore or the other way around. But for us, it gives us both a chance to play a big game in front of a big noisy crowd and that's why we schedule them this time of year," Hunter said. "It helps us both get ready for tournament time. When heart and school and community pride are on the line, it makes for an exciting all out effort. And I saw that in the guys' eyes in that overtime. They did not want to let this home crowd down. So I put it to them, I'm done coaching tonight—I'm just watching. It's up to you."

Cox ended up with 31 points to lead all players hitting 15-of-17 at the line, Mayes scored 18 (4-for-4), Montez Brown and Marquice Johnson each finished with 11 and sank 7-of-8 and 7-of-9 free throws.

Fred Knight led the Blue Devils with 17 points, Tony McAroy had 16, Desmond Williams 14 and Ford added 11. ECHS was 12-for-23 at the line.

The Tigers led 31-30 at the half but trailed 55-49 after three periods. ECHS went cold in the first half of regulation and were called for three offensive fouls netting no points.

BC took the lead 56-55 on a dramatic trey by Cox to put the crowd on its feet. The Blue Devils hung in with foul shots by Williams and a bucket by Ford as Cox and Johnson kept pace for BC leaving the score 59-59 with 12 seconds to go and the ball in EC's hands.

Defensive pressure forced another turnover and Cox got off a half court heave that went in for the apparent win and the gym erupted. But officials disallowed the points because Cox took an extra step before the shot.

"The guys shot the ball well and played very hard and I'm proud of them," Hunter said, “But ultimately, I told them, defense won the game as it so often does."

The rematch is set for ECHS in Atmore Jan. 26 with JV play set for 4:30 p.m. The Blue Devils are 12-11 overall and 4-0 in 4A Area 1 The Tigers improved to 13-11 and 6-1 in 6A Area 3 play. They will play at 6A Area 3 opponent Robertsdale Tuesday at 7 p.m.