Turnover and kicking problems came back to haunt the Salem High School football team on Wednesday, as the Tigers were beaten by the Fulton Hornets 14-13 in Missouri Class 3 Regional playoff action at the Salem High School Field.

It’s the second consecutive year that Fulton has ended Salem’s season in the regional round of the playoffs. The Salem Tigers finish 2009 with a 7-4 record.

Fulton, 6-5, will meet conference and district rival Mexico on Monday in Class 3 Sectional action at Mexico. Mexico, just 5-6, clipped Sullivan 7-0 in regional action Wednesday.

In the first district game of the season Mexico defeated Fulton 14-6.

Salem, of the South-Central Association, dominated the stat sheet on Wednesday, rushing for 390 yards compared to just 196 for Fulton. However, the Tigers lost three fumbles, all in Fulton territory including one that set up Fulton’s game-winning score.

The Tigers had their chance to win at the end. Taking over possession of the football with 2:34 left in the fourth period Salem drove from its own 35 yardline to the Fulton two yardline. The Tigers stopped the clock with :05 left after rushing to the Hornet two yardline.

Salem then lined up for a potential game-winning, 21-yard field goal attempt. However, Salem kicker Kevin Presley booted a low kick off the mark, saving a one-point Fulton victory.