Bobcats get first win

By Bart Moss / For the FCT

The Phil Campbell Bobcats scored two touchdowns in the last six and a half minutes of the game Friday night to get their first win of the season, 15-7, over the Clements Colts.

It was also the Bobcats’ first win under first-year head coach Kevin Barnwell.

“I am so proud for our kids,” said Barnwell. “They have worked so hard for this win. I want them to enjoy it but realize it’s just one win – hopefully, one win of many more.

“These guys work hard every week, and they have played hard. It just hasn’t showed on the scoreboard. Tonight, it showed on the scoreboard.”

Clements took advantage of a Phil Campbell turnover late in the first quarter. The Bobcats fumbled the ball on their own 16-yard line, and Clements threw a 16-yard touchdown pass in the corner of the end zone on the next play to take a 7-0 lead.

The game remained scoreless throughout the second and third quarters before the Bobcats broke through midway through the fourth quarter to take the lead.

PC’s Ridge Raper scored from six yards out with 6:29 remaining in the game. Raper then added two more points on a conversion run to give Phil Campbell an 8-7 lead.

After a big defensive stop, Phil Campbell scored again with 1:31 to go in the game on a nine-yard run by Trey Leindecker. Raper kicked the point after to give the Bobcats a 15-7 lead.

Clements made one last effort to score in the final minute completing a 50-yard pass to the Bobcat 32-yard line, but Leindecker intercepted a final pass near the end zone to end the game.

Brandon Baker also had an interception for the Bobcats early in the first quarter. Austen Baker had a fumble recovery in the second quarter.

Leindecker ended the game with 82 yards rushing. Raper had 52 yards rushing from the quarterback position.

Phil Campbell (2-1) will host Vina (0-4) for homecoming Friday night.