LAKELAND, Fla. (November 3, 2024) - In a hard-fought battle between two top teams in the Sun Conference, the St. Thomas Bobcats extinguished the #18 ranked Southeastern Fire with a final score of 20-17 on Saturday afternoon. The victory marked a significant statement for the Bobcats, who faced a tough opponent on their home turf in hopes of making a playoff appearence with a win.
The game kicked off with an explosive start for St. Thomas, as quarterback Keely Watson connected with David Hayes for a stunning 41-yard touchdown pass just 11:45 into the first quarter. The scoring drive, which spanned seven plays and covered 74 yards in just over three minutes, set the tone for the game and put the Bobcats ahead 7-0.
In the second quarter, St. Thomas extended their lead with a 35-yard field goal by Zachary Alvarez, capping off an impressive 11-play, 79-yard drive that took 4:50 off the clock. The Bobcats found themselves in a commanding position at 10-0. However, the Fire responded valiantly, drilling a 35-yard field goal to narrow the gap to 10-3.
Momentum began to shift as Southeastern orchestrated a quick five-play drive that culminated in a 37-yard touchdown pass. With the successful extra point, the game was tied at 10-10 with just over four minutes left in the half.
The second half kicked off with an electrifying moment for the Bobcats. Linebacker Kendall Wilson intercepted an Fire QB pass and returned it 21 yards for a touchdown, pushing St. Thomas ahead 17-10 after another successful kick by Alvarez.
Yet, the Fire weren't finished. They orchestrated a meticulous 10-play drive that culminated in a 2-yard touchdown pass from, leveling the game once more at 17-17 with just over two minutes remaining in the third quarter.
As the clock wound down in the fourth quarter, both teams battled fiercely, each seeking the decisive score. With just 1:39 left on the clock, the Bobcats put together a methodical 12-play drive that showcased their late game ability and willingness to win games. Alvarez capped the drive with an 18-yard field goal, giving St. Thomas a 20-17 lead.
The Fire attempted a last-minute rally, but the Bobcats' defense stood strong with a hug sack from Darrell Dunbar, and a game sealing pick from none other than Caleb Walker. The final whistle blew, sealing the Bobcats' hard-fought victory over the ranked Fire.
With this win, the Bobcats not only improved their record but also bolstered their confidence as they head into the final stretch of the season. The standout performances from Watson, Hayes, and the defensive unit highlighted the Bobcats' potential as they look to build momentum in the weeks to come, leading into the hopeful playoffs.
-STU-
