BAILEY- Quarterback Jonathan Smith's pass wobbled harmlessly incomplete in weather conditions that were less than pleasant.

The field was a soggy, muddy mess, but Scotland County Parks and Recreation's Midget All-Star coach Duke Williams knew that its opposition, Nash County, had to deal with the same problem.

On this day, Williams could only hope his team could show some resemblance of its past style of play, dominating on both offense and defense.

But it wasn't going to happen on this wet, cold day just outside of Rocky Mount.

Scotland County All-Stars dropped a hard-fought 18-14 decision to a tough Nash County team, ending its two-year reign as SWAC State Champs.

"The boys played as hard as they could play," Williams said. "Sometimes its just not meant to be. It was anybody's game, but they (Nash County) got the breaks at the end. Our kids played like champs. They represented Scotland County well."

Nash County, down 14-12 late in the game, was driving for the go-ahead score but Scotland defensive lineman, Robert Beacham, stripped the ball from Nash's tailback.

Scotland recovered the ball on it's its seven-yard line with 3:10 remaining in the game.

"Things looked good for us at that point," said Williams. "One first down and it's over."

Unfortunately for Scotland, it wasn't meant to be.

On first down, Scotland's quarterback bobbled the exchange from center and was tackled for a one-yard loss. Scotland's tailback fumbled on second down but was able to recover it for no gain, then picked up a three-yard gain on third down.

"The wet conditions had alot to do with those miscues," said Williams. "But that's part of the game."

On fourth down, Scotland's punter, who had been enjoying a great day with a pair of long punts and an excellent placement on a kickoff, had trouble with his footing and never got the punt off.

Nash County recovered on the seven-yard line with 55 seconds remaining.

With not time-outs left, they scored its second play of the drive with 24.5 seconds to play in the game.

"We started the game so strong on offense," Williams said. "And the defense was up to the challenge all game."

In the first quarter, the Scotland offense took the ball 52 yards on six plays, culminating with a 19-yard touchdown pass from Smith to Ahmed Monley.

Lamont Worth raced 55 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter.

Scotland looked like its dominating self and a third consecutive SWAC State Title appeared to be attainable.

But it just wasn't meant to be.