HARRIMAN (WVLT) -- When the Harriman Blue Devils took the field to start the second half against Kingston, their shouts were clear for all to hear:

"Sixteen years is long enough!"

Kingston has owned the series with its Roane County counterpart; in fact, the last seven times the teams have met in the annual series, Harriman has failed to reach double digits on the scoreboard.

That changed Thursday night. And the streak almost ended, too.

After running back Brandon Williams sprinted 40 yards to put Harriman ahead 18-14 with three minutes left, the Devils thought they'd finally conquered their demons.

But a Kyle Gough-to-Nathan Ladd touchdown connection only two plays later put Kingston back in front, 20-18, and shattered the single-A school's hopes of a monumental upset.

Kingston (1-0) jumped onto the scoreboard thanks to a two-play scoring drive to start the game. But Harriman (1-1) responded when Demitrique Inman intercepted a Gough pass, then plunged into the end zone several plays later to make the score 7-6.

Kingston wouldn't be outdone; Gough connected with Ladd to put the Jackets firmly inside Harriman territory halfway through the second quarter, and the 3A squad finished the job and led 14-6 at the break.

But strong defense and timely playmaking propelled Harriman back into the game, until the Hough-to-Ladd touchdown put them behind for good.

The Blue Devils have a bye week to recover from the bitterly tough loss, while Kingston hosts region foe Livingston Academy in its first league action.