Goal-line stand lifts Bobcats past Wildcats
To say that recent meetings between Phil Campbell and Colbert Heights have been entertaining – and somewhat controversial – might be an understatement.
Last year the two teams went to overtime, and Colbert Heights kicked a field goal to win the game. This year a wild fourth quarter came down to a goal-line stand.
Phil Campbell took a 34-30 lead with 1:16 to go in the game on a gutsy run by quarterback Luke Barnwell. From the five-yard line, Barnwell took the snap from his center and sprinted to the right, looking for a receiver. He tucked the ball instead and ran straight for the pylon, diving to the end zone as he took hits from two Colbert Heights defenders.
On the ensuing series, Colbert Heights took the ball 75 yards, aided by a controversial targeting call, to the one-yard line. The Bobcat defense stopped the Wildcats three times at the one-yard line for the epic goal line stand ending.
“I might be a little biased,” said Phil Campbell Coach Kevin Barnwell about his son, the quarterback, “but that was all heart, getting into the end zone that way. We were not going to be denied. Same thing with our defense – all heart and guts. We were going to win that game. The guys willed it.”
Barnwell carried the ball 24 times for 147 yards and four touchdowns in the game.
Colbert Heights scored first on a one-yard run with 1:36 to go in the first quarter to take a 7-0 lead.
Phil Campbell scored twice in the second quarter – on a two-yard run and a 56-yard run by Barnwell – to give the Bobcats a 14-7 lead at halftime.
Phil Campbell extended that lead to 21-7 early in the third quarter on a seven-yard run by Barnwell, but Colbert Heights returned the ensuing kickoff 56 yards to cut the lead to 21-15.
The Wildcats reclaimed the lead with 7:05 to go in the game on a five-yard run to give Colbert Heights a 22-21 lead. Phil Campbell’s Bryant Hyde returned the ensuing kickoff 82 yards for a touchdown to give the Bobcats a 27-22 lead with 6:50 to go in the game.
Colbert Heights struck quick again for a 46-yard run to paydirt to claim a 30-27 lead with 5:27 to go.
Phil Campbell then marched 63 yards in 11 plays for the winning score by Barnwell.
The win capped off a homecoming celebration for the Bobcats. Senior Caymen Quinn was crowned Homecoming Queen at halftime.
Phil Campbell will travel to Lauderdale County Friday night.
