Austin Phillips
BALL – The Bobcats knew they were in for a battle visiting undefeated Tioga Thursday.
Eunice answered the challenge as the Bobcats knocked off the Indians, 32-27.
Entering the contest, Tioga was the top-ranked team in the LHSAA Class 4-A power rankings and the No. 6 team in the LSWA 4-A polls.
With the win, Eunice improves to 6-2 overall and travels to District 4-4A opponent North Vermilion this week.
The Bobcats opened the game with a time-consuming drive, but was forced to punt near midfield.
Tioga quarterback Blake McGhehee led a drive down the field to the Bobcat six-yard line.
Senior running back Antonio Logan got into the end zone for a six-yard rushing touchdown putting the Indians on the board first with 3:51 left in the first quarter.
The PAT was successful giving the Indians a 7-0 lead.
The Bobcats responded as quarterback Simeon Ardoin got the Bobcats to the 50-yard line.
On a third and 10 for the Bobcats, Jeoul Hill cut back on a reverse play and took it to the house for the Bobcats first score of the game.
Braden Rider tacked on the extra point tying the score at 7-7 with no time left in the first quarter.
Tioga again ran time off the clock on their second drive of the game with a combination of runs and passes.
McGhehee dropped back and fired a strike to the end zone to Jomarion Lilly for an 8-yard touchdown.
The PAT was good giving the Indians a 14-7 lead with 8:28 left in the second quarter.
Eunice continued to battle as the Bobcats drove down the field, aided by an impressive catch by Zach Suire on a pass from Simeon Ardoin.
Deon Ardoin added runs as Eunice advanced inside the Tioga 10.
Jeoul Hill another reverse in for a 6-yard rushing touchdown.
Rider nailed the extra point and that tied the game at 14-14 with 1:43 left in the second quarter.
The Indians took the ball to the Bobcat 46-yard line and McGhehee fired a long ball Kenneth Ravare on a post route giving them a 21-14 lead with 48 seconds left in the second quarter.
Eunice would not go quietly in the intermission as Simeon Ardoin heaved one deep that was caught in the corner of the end zone by Dylan Guillory for the miraculous Hail Mary play.
The PAT was blocked with no time remaining in the first half as Tioga held a slim 21-20 advantage at the break.
Tioga opened the third quarter with a strong drive before EHS linebacker Jacoby Collins undercut a hitch route and snagged it for the interception at the Bobcat 40-yard line.
The Bobcats fumbled the ball back, but the defense forced a Tioga punt.
After the two teams exchanged punts, the Bobcats began a successful drive inside Tioga territory.
Simeon Ardoin and Suire connected for another crucial pass play on third down to keep the drive alive.
After a few Simeon Ardoin scrambles, he dumped one off to running back Jeoul Hill for a 20-yard touchdown pass.
The two-point conversion failed and the Bobcats had a 26-21 lead with 8:38 left.
Tioga responded when Indian running back Antoinio Logan raced for a 37-yard touchdown.
The two-point conversion failed, but the Indians held at 27-26 advantage with 6:41 left in the game.
Eunice then began a long drive, aided by several quarterback runs by Simeon Ardoin.
A face mask penalty against the Indians moved the Bobcats to the Tioga 20 with 3:22 left on the clock.
Five plays later, Hill put his shoulder down and dove for the endzone for an yard-yard touchdown run.
The two-point conversion attempt failed, but the Bobcats ahead for the 32-27 lead with 1:49 left in the game.
With little time left, Eunice looked to seal the victory as the Bobcats pulled off a risky onside kick that was recovered by Fred Guillory.
Simeon Ardoin took a few kneels ending the game with the final score 32-27.
The Bobcats tallied over 300 yards rushing as Simeon Ardoin has 130 yards on 19 carries,
Ardoin also completed 9-of-15 pass for 125 yards and two touchdowns.
Jeoul Hill recorded three rushing touchdowns and finished with 80 yards on 17 carries.
Guillory had a catch for 32 yards and a touchdown.
Jahiem Mitchell had four catches for 27 yards.
Zach Suire had two catches for 37 yards.
Hill had two catches for 29 yards and a touchdown.