Homecoming heartbreak for Bobcats

The Hot Springs County High School football team lost a heartbreaker against Big Horn on Friday, 24-26. The Bobcats immediately started off on the defensive, giving up a touchdown on their opponent's first possession.

The Bobcats were able to block the Ram's first two PATs, but still quickly fell behind 26-0 at the half as their running game stalled and the Big Horn offense was firing on all cylinders.

Things changed at the half, when the hometown Bobcats, who had possession to start the half, scored on their first drive and added to their score with a two-point conversion.

The kickoff after the touchdown was fumbled by the visiting Rams and recovered by the Bobcats, who drove the ball back to the end zone for another touchdown and two-point conversion.

As the Bobcats gained momentum, both the offense and defense played like a well-oiled machine. All-state running back Tyler Cornwell, who picked up only 31 yards in the first half, finished the game with a whopping 195 yards, 164 of which came in the second half.

The Bobcats also came up with big sacks on defense, which stunned and stopped the Rams defense late in the fourth quarter and gave the Bobcats a chance to drive for the win.

Unfortunately, the Bobcats' final possession of the night was stopped inches short of a first down in Rams' territory on a call that provoked Bobcats' coach Rob Anderson to approach the game's referees in the middle of the field. After a heated exchange, Anderson returned to the sidelines to inspire his team to take back the ball.

The Rams, however, were able to convert on a crucial fourth down to run out the clock.

Although the team was heartbroken after scoring 24 straight points and holding their opponent scoreless in the second half of the game, Coach Anderson told the team that their performance was the best of the season.

"It was great to see the boys not throw in the towel. They fought back and never let off the gas pedal. They encouraged each other and focused in on their jobs all second half," said Anderson. "We talked a lot about putting four quarters together and fighting through adversity."

With Friday's loss, the Bobcats dropped to 2-3 on the season and the Rams moved to 4-1. Next week, the Bobcats will take on 4-1 Lovell.