KINGDOM CITY, Mo. – Bowling Green Bobcat Michael Starks became a hero to the Bobcat faithful as he grabbed a late fourth quarter interception that turned into the winning touchdown as Bowling Green nabbed a huge EMO Conference victory over North Callaway 30-23.

The Bobcats set the tone for the game right off the bat scoring first and converting the two-point conversion. However, North Callaway answered with a TD and extra point with 3:20 to go in the first quarter. Bowling Green quickly retaliated on their next possession as quarterback Dylan Dalton pushed one in the end zone and the Bobcats ended the first on top 15-7.

The second quarter started off on the right foot for Bowling Green as Cooper Kiel had a big run back taking it into Thunderbird territory, but a block in the back penalty moved the ball back to the 50-yard line. Penalties plagued the Bobcats in the second quarter especially early on and with 5:51 to go in the half, Bowling Green turned the ball over on downs. For the next three minutes the ‘Cats defense slowed the Thunderbirds offense until a big pass to North Callaway’s number one receiver Cody Cash help march the Birds down the field.

In the red zone, North Callaway looked as if they were ready to punch one in, but the Bobcat’s defense held strong and the Thunderbirds turned the ball over on downs with just over a minute left in the half. Bowling Green looked to gain ground but as the clocked ticked down to just 38 seconds remaining in the half, Bowling Green lost the ball and it was recovered by the Thunderbirds who found their way into the end zone once again but ended the half trailing by two, 15-13.

As the second half opened, Bowling Green got another big run by Starks giving the Bobcats the momentum. However, all that came to a screeching halt as the Starks lost the ball on the next run and North Callaway recovered. The Thunderbirds then took to the air for their next big move and with 5:22 left in the third North Callaway scored and took their first lead of the night 20-15. Starks showed he was looking to make up for his previous fumble when he had yet another huge run mid-way through the third. With his big run and penalties against North Callaway, Bowling Green was back in the red zone where Starks walked another one in and with the two-point conversion, the ‘Cats were back on top 23-20 at the end of the third.

To start the final quarter of the game, the Thunderbirds did something not many high school teams do. After the Bobcats held them out of the end zone, North Callaway put up a field goal and with 7:38 to go in the battle it was all tied up at 23. The remainder of the quarter was a back and forth battle between the two squads until just under a minute to go and in steps Michael Starks again for the Bobcats. North Callaway was looking for the long pass when Starks went airborne and intercepted the ball. He tip-toed the Bobcats sideline all the way to the end zone, but the official said his knee went down before crossing the plane at the half-yard marker. The Bobcats and Starks lined up and Starks punched it in with 33 seconds left to go in the game. With the extra point, that was all Bowling Green needed to pick up the big EMO Conference win over the Thunderbirds 30-23.

Bowling Green will host Louisiana next Friday for the return of the Mayor’s Cup, then finish out their seasons against South Callaway and Clopton/Elsberry. If they can continue their hot streak, the Bobcats are set to pick up the first EMO Conference football title in several years.

Reminder you can always find a full recap of scores on the Scoreboard page at kjfmradio.com.