It was an all out defensive game Friday night as the Brownwood Lions struggled offensively against the Glen Rose Tigers, losing in the first round of the playoffs 14-10.
In the first half, the Lions’ defense forced three interceptions; however their offense was unable to convert opportunity into points despite the great field position. Brownwood High School Head Football Coach Bob Shipley stated that it was heartbreaking how the game ended and that he felt the team was better offensively than they played Friday night.
“I’m just heartbroken the way our defense played and gave us good field position,” said Shipley. “It’s very frustrating because I feel we’re a better offensive team than we played tonight.”
Glen Rose’s defense was able to keep the Lions’ offense from taking advantage of opportunities in the first half. Coach Shipley gave credit to the Glen Rose defense for being “aggressive up front.”
“I couldn’t believe my eyes, time after time how they were stopping us,” Shipley said.
Glen Rose came into the game with an average of 463 yards of offense per game but were limited to only 71 in the first half and 231 for the total game because of Brownwood’s defense holding strong.
The second half was a hard fought game, but fell short with some unlucky penalties. Glen Rose was able to pull out the only score in the second half, sealing the win for the Tigers.
“The second half kickoff was perfectly executed,” said Shipley. “It was unfortunate that it got called back because that was the start of the winning scoring drive (for Glen Rose).”
Shipley stated that the team really played hard, and although the team will lose a few key players who are seniors, they will continue to improve over the next 2-3 years and get back to being a team that can go at least three rounds deep into the playoffs again.
This was a great senior class that stepped up and led the team and a defense along with defensive and offensives staff that did a great job, according to Shipley. “The defensive game plan was wonderful and the kids executed it as well as planned,” he said.
The senior members of the team were given praise by Shipley for a great season and hard work.
“We got everything we could out of our seniors, I’m really proud of them,” said Shipley. “It’s such a joy and privilege to coach these young men.”
Shipley stated that the team will take the game and learn from it and that it will help the team in the future to press on. The Lions end their season with a record of 6-5.
Scoring Summary and Highlights
Q1
0-7 6:16 A blocked punt at the end of the Lions’ first drive gives Glen Rose possession which leads to Cody Burcher making a 19 yard run for the touchdown. The extra point was good. This was a 33 yard drive in three plays.
2nd play of the possession, Howey makes a one handed interception at the 35 and returns it to the Glen Rose 13 yard line.
3-7 1:13 McCrane makes a 32 yard field goal, completing a drive of three plays at a loss of 2 yards taking 1:32 off the clock.
Q2
On the fourth play of the GHS drive, a screen play, Vickers grabs another interception.
On the third play of Glen Rose’s next drive, Ontiveros gets an interception.
10-7 0:23 Keesee connects with Mack Monson on a 3 yd pass for the touchdown which completes a 35 yard drive of 5 plays in 2:41. McCrane made the extra point.
Q3
10-14 8:04 A couple of big plays after the kickoff of the second half set up the final scoring play. Burcher of GHS runs, pushing the pile across the goal in for the TD. Extra point is good.
Q4
It was a scoreless fourth quarter, Glen Rose was able to hold the Lions for the next six minutes of the game and take the win.
Statistics——————————-BHS—————–GHS
Total Offense 131 231
Rushing Yards 40 69
Passing Yards 91 162
1st Downs 7 12
Punts 6 for 38.8 yd avg. 3 for 39 yd average
Penalties 11 for 74 yds. 7 for 32 yards
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