The Brownwood Lions’ 2009 season came to an end Friday afternoon in the Class 3A, Division II Regional Championship game as the Wimberley Texans took the win with a final score of 17-24.
It was a very physical game, with several key Brownwood players getting hurt early including Stehl Ratliff and Derek Longoria who continued to play despite their injuries. A few mistakes and turnovers in the second half would make a huge difference as Brownwood unsuccessfully tried to make a comeback late in the game.
A defensive slugfest started early as Brownwood drove down to the Wimberley’s 14-yard line, but was stopped and settled for a 31-yard field goal by Dillon Ellis to put the first points on the board.
Wimberley came back on their first possession and drove the ball to the Lions’ 25-yard line. They opted to go for it on fourth down which ended in an incomplete pass and went back to Brownwood on downs.
Brownwood started making headway on the ground, but a fumble by Stehl Ratliff was recovered by Wimberley and set up a drive for the Texans ending in a successful field goal tying the game 3-3.
Later in the 2nd quarter, the Lions get the ball at their own 45-yard line. Four snaps later, QB Vance McShan connected with Luke Chastain for a 29-yard gain that set up a touchdown run by Levi Perez making the score 10-3.
Wimberley answered those points with a solid drive ending in a touchdown with 42 seconds left in the half.
The Lions pushed to score before halftime with a pass from Vance McShan to Jaxon Shipley for a 26-yard gain, but Wimberley’s defense held leaving the score 10-10 at the half.
Things turned to Wimberley’s favor in the opening of the second half as they ran a 80-yard kickoff return back for a touchdown giving them the lead 10-17.
Wimberley fumbled on their next possession giving Brownwood a chance to make a great drive down the field including a 25-yard pass from McShan to Cade Johnson. Wimberley’s defense held strong and forced a 42-yard field goal attempt by Brownwood which missed.
Early in the 4th quarter, a fumbled snap by Brownwood gave the Texans the ball again which led to another touchdown drive in 7 plays making the score 10-24 with 6:54 left in the game.
The Lions’ next possession ended with Ratliff breaking several tackles and finding the end zone bringing the score to 17-24 with just over 5 minutes left in the game.
Brownwood held Wimberley on their next drive getting the ball back, but the Lions fumbled again and lost the ball with 2:30 left on the clock.
Wimberley was unable to run off the remaining time and punted, giving the Lions one last shot starting at their own 9-yard line. A fumble after a catch gave Wimberley the ball, allowing the Texans to secure the win.
The Brownwood Lions end their season with a 10-3 record and winning district, bi-district, and area championship titles for 2009. The Lions exceeded many expectations and had fans packing stadiums at every game.
The players and coaches had a season that Brownwood will be talking about for years to come. This also sets up great enthusiasm for the next season of Brownwood Lions Football.
Congratulations to the Brownwood Lions on a great season.
Click the photo gallery below for pictures of the Brownwood vs Wimberley game.
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