A sloppy first half filled with pre-snap penalties and injured quarterback Mitch Stephens turned around when the Lions played a “chess match” of a game in the second half. It took some time, but the players figured out how to win the game that according to Coach Bob Shipley was “not pretty.”
“I’m so proud of these kids,” stated Shipley. “They found a way to win, it wasn’t pretty, but they did it.”
The second half saw second string quarterback Matt McCrane step in and backup quarterback Clint Taylor step up to help make some last chance plays that helped the Lions clinch a close game.
The Lions started out with a 5 minute 59 second possession of 14 plays carrying the ball to the China Springs 14 yd line which ended with a missed field goal attempt.
Penalties seemed to be a theme in this game with China Spring’s first possession seeing three pre-snap penalties in a row for illegal procedure followed by many more from both teams throughout the game.
The Lions got a big break at the start of the third quarter when a China Spring touchdown is called back after an official unintentionally blew a whistle during the play. Officials took some time to sort out that play with much encouragement from the Brownwood coaching staff.
The mistakes in the first half were a problem as well as some injuries, but the Lions found a way to take the win in the end.
“Obviously on offense, we have to eliminate mistakes,” said Shipley. “We are going to have to work on that and have some kids step up next week because of injuries.”
The Brownwood Lions go to a 4-1 record on the season as they look towards their homecoming game next week against Ft. Worth All Saints.
Click the photo gallery below for pictures of the game and see game highlights and stats below.
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Highlights:
First Quarter
7-0 1:10 Swing pass to Ratliff for a 9yd touchdown, McCrane is good for the extra point.
Second Quarter
7-7 6:23 China Spring’s rusher Hunter Hancock makes a 65yd reception run, extra point is good.
Third Quarter
9:08 Cooper Howey ends China Spring’s push down the field with an interception at the Brownwood Lions’ 34yd line.
6:42 Lions get a huge break when hunter Hancock’s 63 yard TD was called back because of unintentional whistle was blown by an official during the play.
7-10 4:17 China Spring’s has a successful 26yd field goal attempt.
14-10 4:01 Kevin Vacarro answers with a 102yd kickoff return and McCrane gets the extra point.
Fourth Quarter
14-17 6:55 China Spring’s Hancock makes a 26yd reception for a touchdown and they get the extra point, ending a 72yd drive of 9 plays.
21-17 4:10 Clint Taylor hands off to Ratliff for a 3yd touchdown ending a 7 play 45 yd drive which was a 2 minute 41 second possession. McCrane scores the extra point.
With a little more than 2 minutes left in the game, China Spring carries the ball to the 15yd line and the Lions hold the Cougars there for the remainder of the drive.
Brownwood seals up the game with an interception by Mack Monsen at the 16yd line as China Spring tries unsuccessfully to put the winning points on the board.
Brownwood runs two more plays then takes a knee ending the game, 21-17.
Statistics:
BHS CSHS
Total yardage 281 327
Rushing 216 187
Passing 65 140
