The Phil Campbell Bobcats snapped a 15-game losing streak Friday night at Sumiton Christian.

Down 18-6 at halftime, the Bobcats came clawing back to grab a 26-24 victory in their first win since 2012.

“This has been a long time coming,” said Phil Campbell coach Ryan Swinney.

“I can’t tell you how happy we were after the game. Our fans, our players and I have been waiting for this night to come. We’ve worked hard for it. Now we have to build on it.

“We showed a lot of heart. When we got down two touchdowns we could have quit, but our guys stepped up and made some big plays and got back in the game.”

Swinney said he talked to his team last week following a loss to Falkville about overcoming adversity.

“We made some early mistakes against Falkville and dropped our heads, slumped our shoulders and never got back in the game,” Swinney said.

“I told the guys that, hey, other teams are going to make plays in a football game. We have to turn right around and make plays ourselves. You can never give up in a football game. You never know what might change the game – a fumble, an interception, a missed tackle. You have to be ready to take advantage of any opportunity that comes.”

Sumiton Christian jumped out to an early 12-0 lead using some trickery. Phil Campbell put together a seven-play, 58-yard drive to capture their first score when Colby Baker powered into the end zone from three yards out making the score 12-6.

Sumiton Christian responded with a 10-yard touchdown pass to make the score 18-6. Then a break came. Sumiton Christian turned the ball over and the Bobcats responded taking the ball 66 yards in four plays, ending the drive with a nine-yard touchdown run by Tristan Godsey to make the score 18-12.

Sumiton Christian wasted no time trying to break the Bobcats’ spirit. The Eagles returned the ensuing kickoff 84 yards to make the score 24-12.

Once again the Bobcats responded with a touchdown drive. Phil Campbell capped off a six-play, 66-yard drive powered by Colby Baker. Peyton Thomas hit Godsey for a two-point conversion pass to pull the Bobcats to within four, 24-20.

Phil Campbell’s defense came up big late in the game stopping the Eagles.

Phil Campbell took over on their own 18 yard line with about four minutes to go in the game. The Bobcats fought and clawed out the game-winning touchdown drive in spectacular fashion. They drove the ball 82 yards in nine plays converting two fourth downs before Godsey ran the ball into the end zone from eight yards out for the touchdown.

Phil Campbell’s defense turned in a solid second half. Sumiton Christian piled up 201 yards in the first half, but the Bobcats held them to just 85 yards in the second half.

“Our defense really stepped up and made some plays in the second half and late in the game,” Swinney said.

“Colby Baker, Zack Winstead and Joe Hardy made some key stops for us late in the game. It was a great effort.”

Phil Campbell had 325 in total offense. Baker had 113 yards rushing and Godsey added 85 yards on the ground. Freshman quarterback Peyton Thomas completed seven of ten passes for 75 yards.

The Bobcats will be looking to make it two-in-a-row Friday night as they open region play hosting Mars Hill for Homecoming. Mars Hill has lost two games early by lopsided scores but they have played two top area teams in Sheffield and Lexington.

“Mars Hill has played a very tough early schedule so we can’t go on what their scores have been.” Swinney said.

“We have to focus on ourselves. We’ve got some confidence. Our guys realize they can win but every game is going to be a fight. Nothing will handed to them.”