Auburn parlayed two long field goals by kicker Towns McGough and an opportunistic defense into a 13-7 victory over reigning Class 5A champ Ramsay at Birmingham’s Legion Field.

The Tigers (5-1), ranked third in Class 7A, forced two Ramsay turnovers near its own goal line zone, as Akeen White II recovered a fumble at the Tiger 4 and La’Mychaeal Gunn intercepted a pass at the 9.

McGough boomed field goals of 48 and 59 yards. The 59-yarder is tied for fifth longest in AHSAA history, according to the AHSAA’s online record book.

“He is the best kicker that I have ever seen,” Auburn coach Keith Etheredge said, referring to McGough. “The 59-yarder would have been good from 69. It hit the netting behind the goal post.”

Ramsey (4-2), the No. 1-ranked team in 5A, jumped out to a 7-0 lead when Kameron Keenan hit Tremell Washington on a 64-yard scoring strike on the game’s first possession. Auburn’s Omar Mabson later scored on a 57-yard run for the game’s other touchdown.

Stat sheet: Mabson ran 11 times for 103 yards to power the Auburn offense. For Ramsay, Keenan finished 14-of-25 passing for 163 yards.

Coachspeak: “Our defense played great. They have a good football team and so many weapons.” – Etheredge

“Turnovers really hurt us, and we couldn’t come up with a play when we needed it. We have to fix the small things. We have to go to work and learn from this loss. We still have several things to fix.” – Ramsay coach Ronnie Jackson

Did you know?: Auburn High’s Sage Ledbetter made a 61-yard field goal in 2015, which was the longest field goal in AHSAA history until Fort Payne’s Alex McPherson tied it in 2021.

What’s next?: Auburn travels to arch-rival Opelika, while Ramsey plays Wenonah in a Thursday-night game.