Phil Campbell loses 22-16 thriller to Vinemont

For two teams who hardly ever play each other, Phil Campbell and Vinemont have quickly developed a rivalry.

Last year at Phil Campbell, the Bobcats bested the Eagles after four overtimes in front of a raucous crowd with a rowdy student section. This year, Vinemont returned the favor.

After the Eagles scored a go-ahead touchdown late in the game, the Bobcats drove the length of the field, converting on two fourth downs, only to fall short of the goal line and lose to Vinemont 22-16.

After a scoreless first half, the Bobcats got on the board first on their first drive of the third quarter on a 13-yard run by Braxton Downey. Hayston Scott completed the two-point conversion pass to Hagen Raper to give the Bobcats an 8-0 lead.

Vinemont answered with a touchdown drive of its own to tie the game.

Then Downey scored again for Phil Campbell, this time from six yards out to give the Bobcats a 16-8 lead.

Once again, the Eagles answered with a 73-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to tie the game.

Vinemont scored again late in the fourth quarter but failed to convert the two-point play giving the Eagles a 22-16 lead.

Vinemont outgained Phil Campbell on the ground 163 yards to 124 yards. The Bobcats added 175 yards through the air.

Downey gained 64 yards on 11 carries and scored two touchdowns. Scott was 17 of 29 through the air with 175 yards. Austin Elliott led the receiver corps with five catches for 78 yards.

Defensively, Cody Sneed and Ethan Hallman had 14 tackles each. Jayden Taylor had 10 tackles.

Phil Campell will host Oakman on Friday.