FAYETTE — Jefferson County racked up 15 first downs and 463 yards of total offense against the No. 1 team in the state in Class 3A Friday night.

But even after keeping Hazlehurst scoreless in three of the four quarters, the Tigers still could not pull the upset.

Hazlehurst scored 30 points in the third quarter as it defeated the Tigers 30-17 to take over sole possession of first place in MHSAA Region 7-3A.

Jefferson County led Hazlehurst 11-0 at halftime before Hazlehurst took over. The Indians trailed 11-8 until Demetrius Cain returned an interception 55 yards for a touchdown, and his two-point conversion run gave them the lead for good at 16-11 with 5:55 to go in the third quarter.

Jefferson County got a 12-yard touchdown pass from Rashaad Bradley to Devion Bradley with 4:54 to go, but it was too little, too late. Bradley threw for 153 yards on 6-of-18 passing, but he was also picked off three times.

Arthur Norton led the Tigers’ running game with 17 carries for 128 yards and one touchdown.

Jefferson County (5-5, 3-1) plays at Franklin County next Friday at 7 p.m.