This time last year, Ardmore had just lost its fifth consecutive game to put an end to a disappointing 1-9 season.

Fast forward nearly 365 days later and the Tigers are heading into the Class 5A playoffs next week riding a five-game winning streak following a 49-8 home victory against Elkmont.

“This has really been an unbelievable journey,” Ardmore coach Jonathan Snider said. “When you go back and reflect on all those guys who had multiple opportunities to throw the towel in last year, but chose to come back … for these kids to do what they’ve done this year is unreal. All the credit goes to them and all the glory goes to God.”

In what could possibly be their last game at Cooper Field, Ardmore’s seniors let the underclassman take on the spotlight on Senior Night.

Javean Riddle started the game off hot for the Tigers, rushing for a 20-yard touchdown to put the home squad in front early. Ardmore never looked back after that as Zavion Hawthorne hauled in a touchdown pass from Alex King to go up two scores in the first quarter.

All three of those standouts are sophomores.

“We honored 12 of those seniors tonight — and six of them were with me when I first got to Ardmore four years ago,” Snider said. “Everybody on this year’s team had a role and we relied on the seniors to lead by example. From the first day of offseason workouts to tonight, they have proven that they are going to take this team wherever they want to go. Hats off to all of them.”

King later found Noah Stafford for a 68-yard touchdown and Hawthorne added two more scores to help blow the game open.

Jaret Douthit and Jailyn Smith also added rushing scores in the first half as Ardmore (8-2) led 49-0.

“This is always a big win for our players and our fans,” Snider said. “This series has gone back and forth for almost 80 years now. Everybody knows everybody on each team and credit to Elkmont for battling hard tonight, but I’m proud of our kids for taking care of business.”

The Tigers, who reached the eight-win mark for the first time since 2006, will travel to Ramsey next week for the first round of the postseason.

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Shelby County 43, East Limestone 7

The Indians capped their season with a tough loss to the Wildcats on Friday night.

RJ Lavender scored from 10 yards out in the fourth quarter to break up the shutout.

East Limestone finishes its campaign at 1-9.

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Sweet Water 41, Tanner 0

The Rattlers had no answers for the No. 6 Bulldogs on Friday night.

Tanner finishes its campaign at 2-8.

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The News Courier’s Jake Winfrey contributed to this report.