It was all about making mistakes and later overcoming them for the Brownwood Lions football team Friday night as they defeated the Graham Steers 35-28. The Lions started out slow in the first half of the game, but poured on their magic after halftime to take a commanding lead. See coaches comments to the players in the video below.
In Brownwood’s first possession, quarterback Mitch Stephens’ hand off to Ethan Horton for a 29 yard carry to the Graham 2 yard line. The first quarter remained scoreless with Graham dominating the quarter in yardage.
11:11 in the second quarter, Brownwood fumbles which sets Graham up for a 3 minute, 9 play drive and 37 yard run for a touchdown which put the first score on the board for Graham, 7-0.
BHS follows with a fumble recovery after a great play resulting in a GHS turnover when Abel Jimenez strips the ball from Graham, which is scooped up by Garret Kemp and carried 75 yards for a touchdown, tying up the game 7-7 with Matt McCrane kicking the extra point.
With 1:07 left in the half, GHS scores with an 18 yd carry of a BHS kickoff fumble they recovered. The game was then 14-7 with Graham.
Three Brownwood turnovers within the first half allowed Graham to lead by 7.
Stehl Ratliff carries for an 11 yard touchdown rounding out Brownwood’s opening 66 yard drive of the second half. The score was then tied at 14-14 with McCrane’s extra point.
9 plays later, Graham has their next turnover as a hit causes the ball to pop out and the fumble is recovered by Ethan Horton who runs it to the 32 yard line positioning the Lions for the next score. This made it 21-14 after McCrane kicks another extra point
Graham’s next possession was interrupted when Kevin Vaccaro intercepted a pass for an 11 yard return.
With 4:37 in the third and following a 10 yard carry, Ratliff scores after running into the end zone untouched. The score was 28-14, McCrane was good for the extra point.
At 7:21 in the fourth quarter, Ratliff runs in another touchdown on a ½ yard carry which completed a 41 yard drive of 11 plays. This was his third rushing touchdown of the game which raised the score to 35-14.
With 5 minutes left in the game, Graham’s Galloway completes an 80 yard drive for a touchdown in 5 plays. Graham raises the score to 35-21 with an extra point.
With 47 seconds left in the game, Graham’s Mahon completed the 10 play, 90 yard drive for a touchdown. The score was narrowed to 35-28 after the Graham extra point.
Brownwood recovers and onside kick and then kneels the ball three times ending the game.
Brownwood quarterback Mitch Stephens suffered a pinched nerve in his shoulder and was taken out of the game in the fourth quarter. Clint Taylor replaced Stephens during the last quarter. Brownwood Head Coach and Athletic Director Bob Shipley stated that Stephens will be fine.
This Lions’ victory sends Brownwood with a 2-0 record as they look to face their most anticipated opponent of the season, the Stephenville Yellowjackets next Friday. Stephenville is considered by many to be the best 4A team in the state.
Statistics for the game are as follows:
Brownwood Graham
First Downs 22 17
Rushing Yards 244 120
Passing Yards 66 284
Total Offense 310 404
Punt Returns 4/avg 31.5 yds 5/avg 32.8yds
Click the photo gallery below for photos of the game.
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