Coalgate perseveres to win thriller in sixth OT

The Coalgate Wildcats overcame many obstacles Friday night to get a big win after an incredible six overtimes. They traveled into hostile territory to face a foe, who, like Coalgate, was undefeated this season and had no intention of losing.

The Antlers Bearcats had also made it into the second round of the Class 2A playoffs the previous two years. They were ready to play. But the Wildcats also came to play. And they played hard until the very end of the marathon game which was put to an end by a determined defense. “It was a good test for us,” Coalgate head coach Rob Green said. “Antlers is a good football team ... with a veteran quarterback. To go on the road and get a victory was something for us.”

On a sweltering night with high humidity and virtually no wind, both defenses were strong, and neither team scored in the first half. Antlers scored in the third to make it 6-0 heading into the fourth. They would tack on another eight points in the fourth. Coalgate also scored during the fourth quarter -- 14 points to be exact. So, at the end of regulation, the score was knotted at 14. “A couple of times, I felt like we were out of it,” Green said. “The kids found a way to get themselves back into the game.”

In overtime, for each team, the ball is placed on the opponent’s 10-yard line and each offense is given four downs to attempt a touchdown. If successful, each team will attempt either an extra point, or a two-point conversion.

On this Friday night, when the Wildcats scored a touchdown in overtime, the Bearcats would answer with a touchdown of their own. This occurred in three of the six overtimes.

However, when the Wildcats offense didn’t score in two overtimes, the Wildcats’ defense was able to keep the Bearcats from scoring as well. With the score tied at 32-32 in the sixth overtime, Coalgate went on to put six more on the board, bringing the score to 38-32. With its try, Antlers pushed hard for a touchdown, but the Wildcats’ defense would have none of it, stopping the Bearcats at the one-yard line. Game over.

Green said the weather was brutal on the kids as well. “They just kept battling back,” he said. “I’m very proud of them.”

Coalgate’s Homecoming game is at 7:30 p.m. Friday when the Dickson Comets (1-2 overall) come to town. It is also the first district

for Coalgate game

which stands at 3-0 overall.

Offensive stats - Passing

Quarterback Austin Lambert completed 16 of 25 passes for 161 yards and three touchdowns. - Rushing

Austin Lambert also ran the ball 16 times for 91 yards and two touchdowns. Senior running back Blade Horton carried the ball 26 times for 103 yards and two touchdowns, while senior Tyler Lambert had one carry for one yard. - Receiving

Senior Issac Ad-cock led the team in receiving yards with 40 on four catches, and scored one touchdown. Tyler Lambert was second in yardage with 38 on two receptions. Horton caught the ball five times for 29 yards. Auston Crank had three catches for 25 yards and a touchdown, while junior Matthew Callicoat had two grabs for 16 yards. On defense, the team made dozens and dozens of tackles. Crank led the team in solo tackles with eight, along with five assists. Horton had seven tackles and seven assists. Other players with tackles and assists included Austin Lambert, 4-4; Zach Davis, 4-1; Haydn Vick, 3-1; Matt Grant, 3-4; Trey Wilkinson, 3-5; Easton Thomas, 3-5; Issac Adcock, 2-3; Justin McBride, 2-4; and Tyler Lambert had a solo tackle. Brandon Vande-