John Burson
PRAIRIE RHONDE – Eunice High remained in the District 5-3A title battle as the Bobcats earned a 37-14 road win over the Northwest Raiders.
The Bobcats got off to a fast start after receiving the opening kickoff.
On first down at their own 31-yard line, senior running back Avery Lee broke off a 49-yard run that ended at the Raiders’ 15-yard line.
Lee added a six-yard run and Jeoul Hill added two yards to the nine-yard line.
Lee capped off the opening drive when he completed a 9-yard scoring pass to Tyler Darbonne to put the Bobcats on top 7-0 after Austin Phillips converted the PAT.
The Raiders appeared to have something going after receiving the kickoff thanks to quarterback Montaze Sam who picked up a first down for his team with three running plays.
But the Raiders were unable to finish the drive as the Bobcat defense held firm to force a punt.
The Cats put together another drive, starting at their 37. The eight-play scoring drive advanced down to the Northwest 13-yard line before Deon Ardoin powered his way into the Northwest end zone for a touchdown with 2:01 left in the first quarter. Phillips nailed the PAT to give the Cats a 14-0 lead.
The Raiders fought back with a 43-yard kickoff return.
Sam attempted to attack the Bobcat defense with runs of six yards and 19 yards to bring the ball to the 19-yard line.
Sam scored on the next play with a 19-yard touchdown run, but the 2-point conversion run was stopped by the Bobcat defense as the first quarter came to an end.
The Bobcats received the kickoff and began another drive which ended with a Lee pass to Darbonne for an 18-yard touchdown with five minutes left in the first half, increasing their lead to 21-6.
The Cats attempted to add to their lead as time ran down in the half, but the Raiders intercepted a Bobcat pass attempt on the final play of the half.
Northwest received the third quarter kickoff and drove into Eunice territory thanks to a 37-yard run by Sam.
But Eunice held firm to force a punt.
The Cats responded after receiving the punt with Lee breaking off a 60-yard run and the Cats managed to pin the Raiders deep in their own end of the field.
The Raiders were unable to move the ball and their possession ended in a safety, giving the Cats a 23-14 advantage.
Eunice continued to pin the Raiders deep in their own territory thanks to a 53-yard run by Hill and a touchdown run by Deon Ardoin.
The Cats continued to press the issue with the Raidersin the fourth quarter thanks to a 15-yard run by Deon Ardoin and an eight-yard touchdown run by Lee. Phillips kicked the PAT with 2:25 left in the game.