Extras Lifts Bobcats over Falcons

             The 2004 Bobcat football season started with three unexpected extras, but the extras was what the Bobcats needed.  Behind the spirit of an extra large following, a hundred strong marching band and well over 5oo hundred exuberating fans, an extra period and extra point decided a hard fought contest.  This saw the Bobcats leave Millwood High School with a shocking 29 – 28 overtime victory.  The arm of Kerry Hardeman and the hands of Marcellus Parker prove to be the difference.

             The season started out rocky.  Star’s first quarter experience showed that they were nervous as the Bobcats had two turnovers and some costly penalties early that led to Millwood opening up a 21 – 0 lead.  Millwood looked like defending state champions in the beginning stanza.

 A seemingly insignificant play turned the game around.  Tyree Carter punted from inside Falcon territory when sophomore Daniel Peoples downed the ball on the Falcon’s one-foot line.  The defense quickly held the birds to three-and-out.  Then on fourth down a high snapped allowed, the defensive line to break through and block the punt, Peoples recovered the ball in the end zone for The Cats first score of the season.

             With the 600 or so Bobcat fans cheering, the defenses just tighten up more forcing their opponent into another three-and-out.  Another high snap from Millwood’s special team sailed into the end zone. The Falcon punter had no choice but to fall on the ball in the end zone for a safety.  Hardeman and the offense took advantage of great field position to connect with Parker in the corner of the end zone for Star’s Second TD.  The Cats went into the half down 21 – 15.

            In the second half, Star’s offense began to assert themselves, as the running game got untracked.  Behind the three-headed monster of D.J. Mustin, Tyree Carter and Robert Lyons the Cats pounded the ball into the Falcon’s defensive line.  Carter finally broke through in the fourth quarter for a fifteen-yard dash into pay dirt.   An unsuccessful extra point left the game tied as neither offense could threaten the rest of regulation.

            In the extra period, Millwood had shot on offense and scored on the second play.  Millwood’s quarterback dropped back to pass broke contain and raced into the end zone, barely reaching it before being stung at the goal line by the hard hitting defense.   The extra point was successful and gave Millwood a 28 – 21 Lead. 

The Bobcat offense then took had its chance, three consecutive run plays mustered seven yards.  The dramatic stage was all set.  On fourth and goal from the three Hardeman dropped back and laid out a perfect pass to parker who was able to out battle a Millwood defender for the touchdown.   Coach Hall decided to go for the 2-point conversion and the win, instead of the tie.  If the first pass was perfect, this one was better.  “Mookie” (Parker) beat his hand off the line of scrimmage and Hardeman dropped the ball right over the shoulder of his wide receiver for the game winner.

Next up for the Cats is Deer Creek in the season home opener, September 10.  The event is special, as it will feature the dedication ceremony of our newly remodeled Carl Twidwell Stadium.