A hard fought game Friday night by the Brownwood Lions just was not enough as their season came to an end with a 20-13 loss to the Monahans Loboes. Although Brownwood had the lead through three quarters, the difference in this nail biter of a game came down to two Lobo touchdowns in the 4th quarter. Brownwood and Monahans have faced off 8 times in the playoffs over the years.
The Lions entered the game through the crowd as they did years ago with Coach Steve Freeman. Head Coach Bob Shipley reported that Lions running back Stehl Ratliff remembered this and how it had a big impact on the kids and fans.
“It got the kids fired up and got the fans in the game,” said Shipley.
Although the Lions came up short on the win, coach Shipley said that he was proud of the team’s accomplishment.
“I can’t tell you how proud I am of these guys,” said Shipley. “They just kept fighting and fighting the odds with the great attitude. They grew so much though the year.”
Fighting hard in the first quarter, Brownwood put the first points on the scoreboard and held Monahans to only one touchdown in the first three quarters. Things changed in the fourth as Monahans was able to score two additional touchdowns to win the game.
Coach Shipley attributed a shift in the Lions’ momentum to a Monahans interception that came after Brownwood had just recovered a fumble that could have made the difference for the team.
“When you look at West Texas football, Monahans is probably the most consistent 3A team,” said Shipley.
He commended the Lions, especially the defense and the defensive coaching staff.
“I have to give credit to the great defensive staff and the kids, hitting their defensive stride in the last three weeks,” said Shipley.
Not victorious but satisfied with how his team improved over the season, Shipley encouraged the team to be proud.
“There’s no reason for these kids to hang their heads and be ashamed,” said Shipley. “They did get the job done, obviously we didn’t win, but we win as a team and lose as a team. Again I want to reiterate how proud I am of them; I cannot think of a team that I have coached over the years that has improved as much as this team.”
Shipley spoke of the tradition of being a Brownwood Lion and how the kids growing up are raised with a high standard when it comes to sports.
“There’s a lot expected from the kids from Brownwood, at home and at school, to perform and put it all on the line; that’s why I think Brownwood is a great place to coach,” said Shipley.
The Lions wrap up the season with an 8-5 record. See photos from the game below and a special video of Coach Shipley talking to players, parents, and fans after the game.
Pictured at top is Coach Shipley leading the team to the field through the stands to start the game against Monahans.
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Scoring plays and highlights:
1st Quarter
Monahans had the first possession of the game; however in just four plays, the Lions forced Monahans to punt.
An option pitch to Stehl Ratliff for a 22 yard gain for a first down set the Lions up to score six plays later.
3-0 6:18 Matthew McCrane’s 31 yard attempt is good. The drive an 11 play, 32 yards in 4:21.
Garrett Wells makes a 43 yard reception for a first down that sets up the drive for the only Lions’ touchdown of the game.
10-0 0:21 QB Mitch Stephens connects a 12 yard pass to Cooper Howey for the touchdown, completing a 77 yard drive in 7 plays taking only 1:49. McCrane makes the extra point.
2nd Quarter
Six plays into Monahans next possession, the catch is fumbled and Brownwood’s Mack Monson recovers at the MHS 38yd line; however the very next play, Stephens throws an interception which was picked off at the MHS 23 yard line.
Brownwood and Monahans trade off punts for the next three possessions.
10-7 1:54 Monahans runs 32yd completing a 4 play, 56 yard drive in 1:04.
3rd Quarter
Scoreless quarter
4th Quarter
10-13 10:22 Monahans makes a 3yd touchdown, completing an 11 play 83 yard drive.
10-20 5:14 A toss to Freddy Garcia gave Monahans a 74 yd touchdown run ending a 5 play 42 yd drive.
In Brownwood’s next possession, Stephens runs the ball, injuring his knee taking him out for the remainder of the game.
Clint Taylor steps in as QB, and in Brownwood’s next possession, connects with Vaccaro for a 37yd gain.
13-20 3:27 McCrane makes a 38 yard field goal, completing the 53yd drive.
Monahans gets the ball back and runs the clock down, winning the game. Monahans will face Shallowater who defeated Snyder earlier today 27-28 in double overtime.
Statistics:
—————-BHS ————– MHS———————-
Total Yds 244 304
Rushing Yds 113 268
Passing Yds 131 36
First downs 15 16
Turnovers 2 1
Fumbles 1 2
Interceptions 1 0
Penalties 6 for 45 yds 4 for 30
Punts 4 for 43.5 yds 5 for 39.2
