With many players out with concussions and others playing with injuries, fans wondered how the Lions would be able to play; however, they came out and dominated the game having new formations with lengthy possessions that paid off. The Lions defeated Big Spring with a final score of 38-7 for their district opener.
The first possession of the game, the Lions kept the ball for nearly 5 minutes finishing out a 75 yd drive in 13 plays, which was a great confidence booster and momentum starter for the team.
The game was played in high wind and dust, making passing difficult.
Lions quarterback Mitch Stephens was back in play this week with the help of freshman center Michael Livingston, who played up to the coaches’ expectations, doing a “tremendous job” according to head coach Bob Shipley. The offensive line helped allow running back Stehl Ratliff to run for more than 200 yards during the game.
At the half, Coach Shipley stated that he was happy with the way the team was adjusting to the new pistol formation.
“We’re playing well, and adjusting to the new pistol formation,” said Shipley. “With the wind in your face, you can’t afford to have negative yardage.”
Although Big Springs had chosen to have the wind in their favor in the 4th quarter, it didn’t help. The Lions seemed to be executing even better into the wind. The Lions dominated the second half and shut down the Big Springs Steers allowing only 3 passing yards and 113 total rushing yards the entire game.
Coach Shipley felt the team had improved and played well against Big Spring.
“This was a great test for the team. I think we have made tremendous strides,” said Shipley. “They did a great job tonight. When a back runs for over 200 yards, the guys up front are doing something.”
Shipley stated that they would analyze the new formations to see what they will use in their next game against Snyder’s defense.
“I have confidence in our staff that they’ll come up with a game plan,” stated Shipley. “We need the fans to show up next week and make some noise and support these kids against a really good Snyder team.”
The Lions face the Snyder Tigers 7:30pm Friday, October 14th at Gordon Wood Stadium.
Click the photo gallery below for photos of the game and see scoring drives and stats below. Photos by Ray Tipton.
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Statistics:
BHS BSHS
Total Yardage 360 116
Passing Yards 37 3
Rushing Yards 323 113
1st Downs 25 9
Penalties 6/50 yards 4/20 yards
Scoring Drives:
First Quarter
7:06 7-0 RB Stehl Ratliff makes a 5 yd touchdown completing the Lions first drive 75yds in 13 plays 4:54 minutes of possession. Matthew McCrane delivers the extra point.
Second Quarter
9:35 7-7 An interception of a pass from QB Mitch Stephens leads to a great field position for the Steers, resulting in the 1yd Steer touchdown. 5 plays resulted in a 37 yard drive that took 2:10 to complete. Extra point was good.
7:16 14-7 The Lions answer back, 6 plays later finishing up with Ratliff diving in for a 4 yard touchdown and McCrane scoring the extra point.
2:23 17-7 McCrane scores a 27 yard field goal, which capped a 78 yard 8 play drive.
Third Quarter
5:19 24-7 The second half kicked off with an 80 yard drive of 12 plays ending in Ratliff plunging into the end zone for a touchdown, 6:41 possession time.
1:45 Big Spring’s punter takes off running, and is tackled, the ball is loose, WR Cooper Howey scoops it up on the goal line and runs for 54 yards to start the drive that results in the next 4th quarter score by Ratliff.
Fourth Quarter
9:27 31-7 Ratliff powers into the end zone for a 3 yard touchdown, a 48 yard drive of 9 plays with a 4:30 possession. McCrane gets the extra point.
5:52 With backups playing the last part of the game, RB Braxton Kilgo runs from 9 yards out for a touchdown, ending a 42 yard drive of 6 plays.
