BOWLING GREEN, Mo. — In a game that was poised to be a major upset, the Bowling Green Bobcats fell just short in the last 30 seconds of the game to state ranked Centralia 24-22.

Both the Bobcats and Panthers had little time to prepare for each other as the game came about when Louisiana had to cancel the long-awaited rivalry rematch with the Bobcats due to the entire team going into quarantine. Lucky for Bowling Green, Centralia had lost their game to South Shelby for similar reasons. Therefore, a cat fight was held at Bowling Green High School on Friday evening.

The game opened with the Bobcats making their way down the field, picking up a few first downs but ultimately turning the ball over on downs to Centralia. Bowling Green’s defense took the field ready for battle as they kept the Panthers from making any progress down the field in their first possession. Time continued winding down with a back and forth battle when the ‘Cats got their first big break. Michael Starks broke free and made it all the way into the end zone, only to have the play blown dead and the ball brought back after a flag on Bowling Green. As the first quarter came to an end, the game was still scoreless.

When the Bobcats left the field at the end of the first quarter, they left themselves in good field position to start the second. It didn’t take long for Starks to pick up where he left off and punch into the end zone at the 10:16 mark of the second quarter. The extra point was blocked but the ‘Cats scored first and lead Centralia 6-0.

It didn’t take long for the Panthers to answer. Centralia’s Luke Hunter broke free and had a big run that put the Panthers in the red zone. With 6:24 to go in the half, Hunter tied the game at six apiece, however Centralia was able to add the two-point conversion and took their first lead of the evening.

For the second quarter in a row, defense was big on both sides of the ball as neither team could find the end zone. Bobcat senior Jacob Bowen got a big stop with just over a minute and a half to go in the second bringing Centralia to fourth and 11.

As time was expiring, Bobcat QB Dylan Dalton had a long pass to his wide receiver which fell incomplete, but not before pass interference was called. Since the quarter can’t end on a penalty, the Bobcats had one more shot for the end zone before the half. Dalton was able to scramble to the 15-yard line but was brought down by the Panther defense and they headed to the locker with Centralia leading by two 8-6.

The second half brought a lot more excitement on both sides. Centralia had deferred the coin toss, so they received the ball to start the third quarter. The Panthers were able to march down the field, but Michael Starks struck again with another interception near the end zone. On his return, he fumbled the ball, but the Bobcats were able to recover it and maintain possession. Bowling Green made their way down the field and was threatening to score when another fumble occurred, this time Centralia came up with it.

Bowling Green’s defense was ready for Centralia. With pressure coming from senior Clay LaZear, the Bobcats forced Centralia to kick it away on fourth and long. The momentum was definitely swinging in Bowling Green’s favor as the offense asked Cooper Kiel to put the team on his back and head towards the uprights. Kiel’s put together a couple of solid runs that got the ‘Cats down the field and set-up the Bobcat score to regain the lead. The two-point conversion was good, and Bowling Green was back on top 14-8 with a minute and a half to go in the third.

The fourth quarter had everyone in attendance on their feet. Bowling Green’s Gunner Bryant put the Bobcats in good field position, where Dalton was able to connect with Charlie Bowen to add another touchdown to the scoreboard for Bowling Green. The two-point conversion was good once again and Bowling Green lead Centralia 22-8 with 10:28 to go in the ball game.

Bowling Green’s defense stayed strong and everything was going right for the Bobcats until 3:52 to go in the game when Centralia’s quarterback made his way into the end zone and brought the game closer with the extra two points 22-16. Bowling Green tried making their way down the field again but was forced to turn the ball over and back into the hands of the Panthers. The ‘Cats defense held the Panthers offense all the way to eight seconds to go in the game, where a miracle catch put Centralia in the red zone where they, with three seconds left in the game, crossed the pylons which tied the game at 22 all. With time running off the clock, Centralia went for the extra two points, made the connection and got the win 24-22.

The Bobcats will look to bounce back next week as they host South Callaway in what could be the conference championship game. If Bowling Green can get the win over the Bulldogs, it will be the first conference title for the team since 2011.

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