BOAZ, Ala. – On Friday night, Coach Trent Walker loaded up his Cullman Bearcats and made a quick trip next door to take on the Boaz Pirates in a non-region matchup. After taking an early lead, the traveling Bearcats tried to hold onto it, but eventually fell to the Pirates, 21-14.
Boaz looked like they were driving early from their own 20-yard line. Quarterback Beau Bennett had a couple of long completions to put the Pirates on the Cullman side of the field. Bennett was sacked for a 12-yard loss by Cullman’s Qwency Remy backing Boaz up. Two plays later, another sack by Cooper McSwain forced the Pirates to punt to Cullman after the drive stalled.
A kick interference and personal foul penalty had the Bearcats in operation at their own 47-yard line. Three plays later, quarterback Colt Colvard hit Sam Ellerby for a 46-yard touchdown pass. The PAT by Brooks West was good, and Cullman had a 7-0 lead with 5:07 left in the first quarter.
Cullman’s defense forced Boaz into a quick three-and-out and the Bearcats were in business again at the Boaz 47-yard line. Hard running by Weston Keel and a 16-yard touchdown pass from Colvard to Morgan Holley put the Bearcats up 14-0 with 1:43 left in the first quarter.
Boaz, down by two touchdowns, took over on their own 20-yard line. On the second play of the drive, Beau Bennett hit Sage Bennett for a 68-yard touchdown pass and the Pirates were back in the game, 14-7 with 1:04 left in the first quarter.
Cullman took the over on their own 26-yard line on the drive and proceeded to get into the Pirates side of the field as the second quarter advanced. Facing a 4th-and-4, the Bearcats decided to punt to Boaz. Unfortunately, the ball took a bounce in favor of the Pirates and Cullman was unable to down the ball, and it ended as a 9-yard overall punt.
Two plays later, Cullman’s defense forced a Boaz fumble, and Carson Stancil recovered the ball for the Bearcats.
Both teams were unable to mount a serious drive until Cullman took over just before halftime. Boaz committed a couple of big penalties, and the Bearcats found themselves on the Boaz 40-yard line with just seconds left on the clock. Ismael Esteban attempted to kick a 50-yard field goal as time expired. The attempt was just short, and Cullman had a 14-7 lead at intermission.
Cullman took the ball to begin the second half and facing a long second down appeared to have gotten the first down on a run. A holding call nullified the play and after an incomplete pass, Cullman was forced to punt.
Cullman’s defense forced a quick punt by Boaz and Cullman took over their own 30-yard line. Later in the drive Cullman was facing a fourth and two from the Boaz 37-yard line. A tough 13-yard run from Kolby Holt gave the Bearcats a first down. Boaz would force a Cullman fumble that ended the scoring threat.
Boaz took over deep in their own territory. Four plays later, the Bennetts connected again for a 72-yard touchdown and Boaz tied the game at 14 each with 3:36 left in the third quarter.
The fourth quarter began with the game still tied. Beau Bennett had a good drive going, when they faced a fourth and two from the Bearcat 12-yard line. Dayton Porter scored on the next play, and Boaz took their first lead 21-14 with 9:19 left in the game.
Cullman drove deep into Boaz territory when the Bearcats were intercepted on the Boaz 5-yard line. Just as it looked that the game was over, Cullman’s defense forced a Boaz fumble that was recovered by Colling Kent. Â
Cullman’s next drive was highlighted by a 4th-and-24 from the Pirates’ 37-yard line. Colvard passed and Holt made an outstanding over the shoulder catch to get the first down and the Bearcats were at the Boaz 5-yard line. The drive stopped three plays later on a Boaz interception.
Boaz ran out the clock and won the game 21-14. Cullman ended the game with 357 total yards offense.
Cullman hosts Hartselle next week at home.
