Turnovers can cost a team.

That’s what happened with Florala on Friday night as the Wildcats suffered a bitter homecoming defeat to Ariton, 24-8.

“We had four turnovers,” Florala coach Stan Gooden said. “We had two in the red zone that hurt us.”

Despite the loss, Gooden said he could draw one positive from the game.

“Our defense stepped up and probably played the best game of their season,” he said.

Florala’s Zach Fleming threw the only touchdown pass to Jonathan Burleson on the night. The Wildcats managed the two-point conversion attempt on a pass to David Goodwin.

“We had some improvement,” Gooden said. “Take away those turnovers, we might have had a different ball game. We played well though. (Turnovers) was a big key in the ball game.”

Ariton’s Craig Sanders helped his team to the win, scoring two touchdowns for the Purple Cats.

Gooden said he got what he looking for in that his team played a “complete” game.

“Our kids played hard and played with a lot of heart,” he said. “They did what we asked them to do. We were better than we were last week.

“You keep hearing the same thing from me over and over,” he said. “If it’s not one thing one week, it’s something different the next week. We’re going to get back to work on Monday to get ready for Pleasant Home.

“It’s going to be bragging rights next week. They have a good football team and we’re improving. I think we’ll be ready for them next week.”

The Wildcats (1-7, 0-6 in Class 1A, Region 2) travel next Friday night in Pleasant Home.