Joe Lott tossed a pair of touchdowns, including the game-winner late in the fourth quarter, to lead UMS-Wright over Williamson 20-19 on Thursday night at Ladd Peebles Stadium in key Class 5A region 1 game.

“Culture” said Lott after leading the Bulldogs’ winning drive.

“A lot of guys stepped up tonight. They’ve seen the culture throughout the years here at UMS. That proved to be victorious for us tonight,” said Lott, a Troy University commit.

Things did not look bright for the Bulldogs after gaining only 15 yards on six offensive plays in the third quarter. The Lions’ Jermaine McCree returned a punt 81 yards as time expired in the period, giving Williamson a 19-14 lead in a game UMS needed to win to keep its playoff hopes alive.

The Bulldogs’ third drive of the fourth quarter proved to be the key. UMS started at its 30. After a minimal gain on first down, Lott picked up back-to-back first downs through the air. Gains of 10 and 22 yards put UMS into Lion territory.

Lott’s six-yard run set up the go-ahead score. On second down, he rolled out and found an open Rowen McMahan for a 31-yard TD. The drive went 70 yards in 2:31 and took just five plays.

“We’ve worked on the two-minute drill constantly all season at practice, so there was no panic in us,” Lott said. “Go out and make plays.”

Williamson hit two explosive plays in the second quarter to lead 14-13 at halftime. Yusef Clark had a 50-yard run and Keith Donald Jr. a 72-yard reception from Alvin Dinkins on back-to-back possessions.

UMS-Wright and Vigor are tied at 5-3 in the Class 5A, Region 1 standings, but UMS holds the tiebreaker by virtue of a forfeit win over the Wolves from earlier this season. No. 1 Gulf Shores (7-0) hosts B.C. Rain (5-2) on Friday, while Faith Academy (5-2) travels to LeFlore (0-7).

The playoff pairings are scheduled to be officially announced Saturday.

Star of the game: Lott played through pain. He finished with 22 yards rushing and 185 passing.

“We knew we could throw the ball on them, and we played a completely different game than what we were used to — more passing than running,” he said.

Play of the game: After a Lott fumble was recovered by the Lions, Williamson had prime field position at the UMS 24. After three straight plays with no gain, the Lions’ field goal attempt was blocked by UMS’ Jeff Holston. The Bulldogs’ game-winning drive followed.

Stat sheet: Williamson held UMS to under 40 yards rushing.

“Props to them,” Lott said. “We couldn’t run anything. They were tough and physical up front.”

Six different receivers caught a pass for the Bulldogs. Denton Elliot had five receptions for 45 yards. McMahan had three catches for 61 yards.

“I was glad to see some other guys step up and make plays, especially those receivers,” Curtis said.

Camden Taylor’s 10-yard touchdown reception from Lott opened the scoring for UMS. Thomas Portacci’s snagged a TD before the half on a double pass from McMahan.

Alvin Dinkins passed 138 yards for Williamson. Willie Maddox rushed 32 yards for the Lions.

By the numbers: 4 — victories in a row for the Bulldogs over Williamson. … 51 — points scored in Lions two region victories this season. 42 — points scored in Lions six region losses. … 3 — Fewest wins by the Lions since 2016, the last time Williamson failed to reach the playoffs. … 30 — consecutive seasons UMS has qualified for the playoffs.

Did you know? UMS has played in five one-score games this season. The Bulldogs are 3-2 on the season in games decided by one score.

Coachspeak: “We still haven’t played our best game, still making a few mistakes, but these guys are fun to coach and that’s the main thing. They come every week hungry to win.” – Curtis.

They said it: “That was my first pass ever. We practiced it before, and I wasn’t sure if they would call it, but it worked out.” – McMahan on his TD pass to Portacci.

Next week: UMS (6-4, 5-3) seemingly has clinched a spot in the 5A playoffs next Friday. Williamson’s season has concluded with a record of 3-7, 2-6.