Phil Campbell football wins four-overtime thriller
“I am extremely proud of these guys,” said Phil Campbell coach Jacob Hamilton. “We played from behind the whole game. Our defense was on the field a lot and we never gave up and never gave in. We were tough when it counted, and it was a true team win.”
Vinemont scored first on the opening play of the second quarter on a 22-yard run and two-point conversion to take an 8-0 lead. The Eagles got into scoring position late in the first half, but Phil Campbell’s Hagan Raper picked off the pass in the endzone.
After a scoreless third quarter, the pace of the game began to quicken significantly when Hayden Wingo broke free for a 91-yard touchdown run. The Bobcats couldn’t convert the two-point run and still trailed Vinemont 8-6 with nine minutes to go in the third quarter.
The Eagles responded quickly on the ensuing drive, scoring on a 58-yard run. The failed two-point run kept the Bobcats within one score 14-6. Phil Campbell got that score with 59 seconds to go in the game when Hayston Scott found Hagan Raper for a 28-yard touchdown pass. Noah Raper tied 14-14, converting the two-point conversion run.
Vinemont wasn’t finished, however, driving into scoring territory and attempting a 38-yard field goal that fell short, sending the game into overtime. Phil Campbell scored first in overtime on a Scott 12-yard pass to Jayden Taylor. Wingo’s two-point conversion run gave the Bobcats a 22-14 lead.
Vinemont responded with a score to send the game to a second overtime. The Eagles scored again to take a 30-22 lead, but Phil Campbell answered on a 10-yard run by Scott and a Noah Raper two-point conversion run to send the game into a third overtime. Hayston Scott gave Phil Campbell the advantage, scoring on an 11-yard run. The two-point conversion run failed, putting the Bobcats on top, 36-30. Vinemont matched the Bobcats again, missing the two-point conversion to send the game into a third overtime.
Vinemont scored on their first play of the fourth overtime but missed the two-point conversion, giving the Eagles a 42-36 advantage. Scott scored his third overtime touchdown on a six-yard run, giving Phi Campbell a chance to win the game, which they did when Noah Raper converted the two-point play.
Scott ended the game with 21 carries for 150 yards and four touchdowns. He also threw for a touchdown. Wingo carried the ball nine times for 99 yards and a touchdown.
Noah Raper led the defense with 15 tackles followed by Guage Plumley with 12 (including a fumble recovery), Mason Weeks with 12, Ethan Hallman with 12 and Chadler Benford with 11.
The Bobcats will go on the road this week to Oakman.
