BOWLING GREEN — A late score and two point conversion spoiled a masterful performance by the Bowling Green run defense as the Bobcats fell to North Callaway 22-21 on Friday.
The Thunderbirds came into the game with a run heavy offense that averaged almost 260 yards per game. The Bobcats countered with five defensive lineman and stuffed top rusher Mason Wortmann throughout the night.
Bowling Green took the opening kick-off, but quarterback Nick Breakfield was intercepted by Cody Cash, leading to a 46-yard touchdown pass from Jadon Henry.
It was a prove-it night for Henry who came into the game with just three TD passes through his first five games.
The Bobcats were quick to answer as just three minutes after the visitors took the lead, Breakfield connected with Deonta Fleming for twenty-five yards and a touchdown to tie the contest. George Niemeyer kicked the extra point and the Bobcats led after one quarter 7-6.
The teams were mired in a field position battle most of the second quarter until the Bobcats failed to connect on a lateral pass, which was picked up by the defense for North Callaway for the games second turnover. The miscue again led to a North Callaway score as Henry scored on a quarterback sneak a few plays later. The T-Birds tacked on the two point conversion to lead 14-7 at halftime.
The Bobcats continued to hold back the Thunderbird rushers in the second half and the offense tied the game with just over four minutes left in the third quarter as Gavin Deters broke free for a thirty-seven yard touchdown after a great block let the Bowling Green runningback zig-zag up the field.
The Bobcats took the lead back midway through the fourth quarter when Breakfield found Fleming again from thirty-three yards away. Niemeyer stayed perfect kicking extra points and the Bobcats led the game 21-14.
The Bobcats stopped back to back runs after North Callaway crossed the fifty yard line on their next possession and faced a big third and ten play from the Bowling Green thirty-nine yard line.
Henry proved himself a final time, tossing his third touchdown of the night to bring the T-Birds within a point with 2:15 remaining.
The Bobcats still led, but couldn’t stop the North Callaway Quarterback from throwing a two point conversion to give his team the lead.
The Bobcats had a final chance, pinned back by the kick-off at their own twenty yard line.
After two short runs and an incompletion, the Bobcats were faced with a fourth down play. Breakfield dropped back, scrambled to his right and found Niemeyer open near the sideline. George slid to make the catch, but the ball squirted out and fell incomplete to turn the ball over.
The Thunderbirds knelt away the remaining time, dropping the Bobcats to 2-4 on the season.
The defensive line shared the title of Eagle 102 Prime Time Player for Bowling Green, who play at Wright City next Friday in another EMO conference matchup. The Bobcats are now 2-4 for the season.
LOUISIANA
The Louisiana Bulldogs broke their losing streak with a huge 59-28 win over Dupo, Ill.
The Bulldogs held Dupo scoreless through the first quarter and with 11 minutes remaining in the second led 26-0 as Jordan Luck and Devon Cropp logged TDs.
There was a lot of activity through the final minutes of the half and the score was 32-22 going into halftime as Dupo worked to make up ground.
A coronation ceremony took place at halftime with Cody Love and Faith Rule selected as king and queen.
Coming back from the break it was Cropp again for a 39-22 Bulldogs lead. A two-point conversion catch by Jordan Luck was erased from the board.
The Bulldogs continued to pile on the points and held a 52-22 lead with 11:30 remaining in the final frame. The Tigers managed a return for points to trail 52-28, but once again Cropp hit the endzone before time expired to put Louisiana up 59-28.
The Bulldogs are now 1-5 for the season and will be at Paris with Faith Walk this Friday.
CLOPTON-ELSBERRY
The Clopton-Elsberry IndianHawks were edged by South Callaway on Friday, 49-43.
Shawn Yates was 15-29 passing for three touchdowns and 415 yards. He also had seven carries for 43 yards.
Zakk Eivins had three receptions for 100 yards and a TD along with seven carries for 46 yards and two touchdowns.
Landon Strus logged to catches for 115 yards and a TD.
Jake Rimel had eight carries for 37 yards and a score, along with a reception for four yards.
Kyle Martin had eight receptions for 167 yards and a touchdown.
Maleek McPike had one catch for 11 yards.
The IndianHawks are now 2-4 for the season and will host Mark Twain this Friday who are fresh off a win over Van-Far in week six.
VAN-FAR/COMMUNITY R-VI
The Van-Far/Community R-VI Indians fell to Mark Twain on Friday 26-14. Stats were not available as of press time.
The Indians are now 1-5 for the season and will host South Callaway this Friday who just picked up a win over Clopton-Elsberry last week.
PITTSFIELD/GRIGGSVILLE-PERRY
The Pittsfield/Griggsville-Perry Saukees were shut out by Athens on Friday night, 42-0. The Saukees are now 1-5 and will be on the road to face PORTA/Ashland-Chandlerville Central this week.
PLEASANT HILL/WESTERN
The Pleasant Hill/Western Wolves fell to Greenfield/Northwestern, 56-12 this week. They drop to 0-6 for the season and will host Carrollton this Friday.
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