Wildcats Persevere and Take 52-40 Win
Over T-High, Friday Night

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In their last home game of the season, the Sulphur Springs Wildcats "struck early and struck well," taking a commanding lead, by quickly scoring on their first possession Friday night, and managed to maintain that lead, throughout the night. The Wildcats walked away with a crucial district win, as they defeated T-High 52-40. But, it wasn't easy and had plenty of excitement, as 92 points were scored in the game.

 

With 10:06 left in the first quarter, the Wildcats scored their first touchdown of the night, when Justin Owens connected with Alvin Frazier, and the PAT was good.

 

Approximately, three minutes later, the Wildcats made their second touchdown of the evening and went up to a 14-0 lead, on another connection of Owens to Frazier, with 7 minutes to play in the first quarter.

 

 

 

 

And, with 2:43 still showing in the first quarter, the Wildcats scored a field goal, by sophomore, Tony Bravo, who had moved up to replace, Fernando Arellano, who left the team to play soccer in Mexico. The Wildcats led 17-0.

 

Trailing 17-0, the Tigers had a successful scoring drive that combined both passing and rushing, and managed to score a touchdown of their own. However, the Wildcats blocked the kick and the score was 17-6.

 

Enthusiastic Wildcat supporter, Craig Roberts, wearing his "pink" Wildcat
shirt, was excited about the Wildcat's first half performance.

 

 

The second quarter again saw the Wildcats dominating the action, and the Tigers failing to score on turnovers. The Wildcats completed a 62 yard drive, when Dadrian Smith scampered across the goal line. Bravo's PAT was good, and the Wildcats led 24-6. Then, Justin Owens connected with Dallin Sant for a 30 yard touchdown pass, and again (sure-footed Tony Bravo) the PAT was good. The Wildcats lead 31-6.

In the later part of the second quarter, T-High's Saxby connected with Brandon Welch and scored a touchdown. The PAT was good.

The Wildcats led the match-up 31-13 at the halftime intermission. (But, the game certainly wasn't over yet, for anyone who decided it was, and left.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The second half opened with a different T-High Team entering the field. Although down by 18 points, the Tigers came out fighting.

 

The Tigers executed a great drive down the field and connected for a touchdown on a 12 yard run, and the PAT was good. Score 31-20.

 

 

 

Meanwhile, the Wildcats returned with "fire in their eyes" and executed a great drive down field, that ended with a Owens pass to Frazier (that had to be juggled in the air, but he managed to hold on) and the PAT by Bravo was good. The score 38-20. And, before the third quarter was over, the Tigers would score another touchdown, and enter the 4th quarter of play with a score of 38-27.

 

 

 

 

 

The fourth quarter began with the gap "closing in" on the Wildcats, who had experienced a comfortable lead throughout the night. However, Kendrick Daniels accepted a handoff from Justin Owens and went 87 yards for a "boost" in the confidence of players and fans. The PAT by Bravo was good and the Wildcats led 45-27.

However, Texas High wasn't finished and they scored two more touchdowns and tried a couple of on-side kicks, that if had been successful, could have made the difference in the game. Fans were standing in the bleachers, cheering the Wildcats to persevere and claim the victory. With 3:41 left to play in the ballgame, Daniels run 49 yards for a touchdown and put the final six points on the board. Bravo, who had an outstanding night in his "virgin" game, on varsity, added the PAT, and the score was Wildcats 52 -

T-High 40. The Wildcat defense was called upon to make a couple of outstanding stands and was heralded for their effort in preventing the Tigers from upsetting the Wildcat lead.

 

 

 

The Wildcats will travel to Royce City next week, for the final regular season game. They have already gained a position in post season play, but will be looking for a victory, to be the "top seed" small school, as they enter the play-offs.

 

Enjoy these additional photos from Friday night's victory, over T-High:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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