Wildcats Unable To Overcome Roar Of Lions

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Wildcats Unable To Overcome Roar Of Lions

After finishing last season as the Division II-A state runner-ups, a late season stumble would force the Wildcats on the road for the playoffs. In the first round of the playoffs, BGA’s hope for a return trip to Cookeville would be tripped up by Harding Academy, as the Lions topped BGA 41-16.

Harding Academy’s offense would get an early touchdown, then on the ensuing BGA drive, force a Wildcat fumble and return it for a touchdown to take an early 14-0 lead. BGA would close the margin with a field goal to make it 14-3 after the first quarter. BGA would force a Harding punt, but a fumble gave it right back to the Lions. On the first play after the fumble, the Lions would add another touchdown. The Lions would intercept Clay Beathard on the next drive and return the pick for a touchdown, making it 28-3. The Wildcats, still with fight in them, would get their first touchdown. A missed point after would make it 28-9. Before the half, the Lions would add another touchdown to send the teams to the locker room with Harding Academy leading 35-9.

The Lions would take their foot off the gas in the second half. BGA would add another touchdown in the 3rd quarter to make the score 35-16. That would be the Wildcats final score of the game, as the Lions would add another touchdown to set the final margin at 41-16. The win sends Harding Academy to Friendship Christian for the second round of the playoffs.

The Wildcats finished their season at 6-4, dropping 4 of their last 5 games after last season’s state runner-up performance. Ironically, state champion Knoxville Webb was eliminated on the road in the first round of the playoffs as well. BGA will have to look at replacing 2014 Mr. Football and 2015 Mr. Football Semi-Finalist Clay Beathard at quarterback and leading receiver Marcus Cawthorne next season.

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