The Quitman Bulldogs’ playoff chances took a hit Friday night in a heartbreaking 25-19 double-overtime loss to the Prairiland Patriots.
The Patriots took an early 7-0 lead, but the Bulldogs fought back, scoring on a short run and a TD pass to take a 13-7 advantage at halftime. The Pats managed a TD from six yards out and tied the score 13-13 with 6:42 to go in the game.
Quitman scored first in the initial overtime possession, but the extra-point kick was wide, making it 19-13. The Patriots made it a 19-19 game, but they also missed the point-after attempt, ending the first overtime tied.
On their second overtime possession, Prairiland got a break when a pass interference call on the Quitman defense put the ball on the three-yard line. The Patriots made it 25-19 on a short run for the score. The point-after attempt was unsuccessful. Quitman fought to tie things up and win with a successful extra point, but the Bulldogs were unable to cross the goal line, giving the Patriots the win.
Head Coach Shane Webber talked about the close loss and its implications for the playoff scenario.
“We were not efficient enough on offense or defense. It is always a fun and exciting game for the fans of both teams when a game goes into overtime. But when you come up on the wrong end, it is devastating. To know we were so close to grabbing an easier route to the playoffs is tough. Now, we must win out to make the playoffs. It is a crushing blow to our players and our coaches,” Webber said.
“Give credit to Prairieland and Coach Smith (Herb). They came in with a good game plan. We both run similar offenses so we knew what to look for. Give credit also to our kids as they continue to give great effort the entire game. That is the most positive thing we have going for us, our kids give 100% of everything they have for the entire 48 minutes each game,” Webber said.
Patriot Coach Herb Smith was elated at the outcome.
“We knew each other because we run the same offense, Hats off to our offensive and defensive lines. These guys played with a ton of heart and grit, that’s just who they are,” Smith said after the game.
Quitman quarterback Logan Davis completed seven of 12 passes, threw for one score and ran for another in the game. Jayson Wakefield led Quitman runners with 20 carries for 54 yards, and teammate Ben Boisclair added another 31 yards on nine attempts.
Prairiland improved its season record to 4-4 and district mark to 2-2, while the Bulldogs dropped to 3-5 on the year and 1-3 in district. The Patriots still must play Edgewood this week and Harmony in the final week. Quitman faces Lone Oak and Chisum in its final two games.
Webber is looking forward to hosting Lone Oak this Friday.
“Now we are getting ready for Lone Oak this coming Friday night. We have the opportunity to honor our seniors for this year’s Senior Night. Coach Turner (Logan) is a good coach and the Buffalos are a good team. They get great quarterback play from sophomore Colt Bowman. He is a powerful runner and accurate passer. Their 3-4 defense is tough and will be a big test for our offensive line and backs. If we can win these next two, it should give us a real shot at the playoffs,” Webber said.
Bowman is the team’s leading rusher, averaging more than 80 yards per game. He has scored 10 times on the ground and has tossed six TD passes. Senior running back Daniel Barahona is another threat in the Buffalo backfield. Camden Debord is one of Bowman’s favorite targets and has been on the receiving end of four TD passes.
This Friday is Senior Night at Bud Moody Field. Seniors in all fall sports, band and cheer will be honored. Senior football players playing their last game at Bud Moody are No. 5 Wesley Irwin, No. 10 Jonathan Hayes, No. 20 Dakota Brown, No. 36 Ben Boisclair, No. 66 Angel Flores, No. 69 Matthew Moore and No. 99 Rafael Samaniego.
Senior Night activities will begin at 7 p.m., with kickoff to follow.