Eagles squeeze out 21-20 win over Bobcats

By Tim McGrath BCC Sports Writer

The Johnson City Eagles had the home field advantage going in and it proved to be the difference in a tightly fought 21-20 victory over the visiting Medina Bobcats in non-district football action played on Friday, Sept. 14 at Johnson City.

The District 14-2A Eagles took an early 7-0 lead in the opening period but the Bobcats struck back with a 52-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback JD Ortiz to wide receiver Mitchell Black. Michael Baker booted the extra point for the Bobcats to tie the score at 7-7.

The Bobcats increased their lead to 13-7 before halftime when Ortiz connected with Adrian Jackson on a 16-yard touchdown toss with little time left in the first half. The PAT failed but the Bobcats led 13-7 at halftime.

In the third period, the Eagles went to the air for a 40-yard touchdown followed by a successful PAT to take a 14-13 lead. The Bobcats wasted little time in answering the Eagles' score as Mitchell Black returned the ensuing kickoff 80 yards for a Medina touchdown. Joel Arreola booted the PAT for Medina and the Bobcats were on top 20-14.

The Eagles scored the games final touchdown on a 15-yard pass in the final period and missed the PAT attempt but Medina was penalized for running into the kicker and the Eagles converted on their second chance to take a 21-20 lead.

The Bobcats rallied and drove the ball from their 20 yard line to the Johnson City 15 where they lined up for a field goal attempt with only two seconds remaining in the game.

Valentine Luna attempted a 32-yard field goal for the Bobcats but the ball fell just short of the crossbar as the Eagles survived the Bobcats strong finish to escape with a 21-20 victory. Luna's field goal attempt was made more difficult because of the high grass on the Eagles playing field.

The Bobcats' Ortiz passed for 125 yards and two touchdowns while Black led all Bobcat receivers with two catches for 85 yards and a touchdown. Jackson finished with 2 catches for 26 yards and a score and Baker had one reception good for 7 yards. Jackson carried the ball eight times for 32 yards for the Bobcats.

The Bobcat defense was led by Luna with 11 tackles in the game.

The Bobcats return home this Friday, Sept. 21 for a 7:30 pm matchup against the Brackett Tigers.