|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
||
|
|
| PLANO - Every couple years or so, someone manages to come in and escape with a win over Plano's Wildcats at John Clark Field. Count Longview's Lobos among the rare victors.
The fifth-ranked Lobos, behind a punishing, ball-control ground game and a stiff defense, pulled off the unthinkable with a demoralizing 9-3 non-district triumph over the 'Cats Friday night. It was Plano's first loss at home since the 1990 season against Lake Highlands and the first in three games this year. It was only the eighth loss for the Wildcats at home since the stadium opened in 1977. The Lobos remain undefeated. After being completely stifled in the first half, the Wildcats came back and drove immediately into Longview territory, but a 48-yard field goal on the 10th play of the drive was short. The 'Cats had another opportunity early in the final quarter when the Lobos fumbled on their own 45, but two key defensive gems by Tony Bracato kept Plano at bay and Longview took over on downs. The next time Plano had the ball, Longview linebacker Victor Anthony recovered a fumble at the Plano 14. The Lobos' opportunity stalled, but two plays after relinquishing the ball on downs, tackle LaMarcus Coyle crashed through and took down 'Cat quarterback Jason Little in the end zone for a safety with 2:31 remaining. Longview received the ensuing kickoff and ran out the clock. The Lobos held Plano to just 82 total yards, all on the ground, and churched out 224 rushing and 276 total. They also had a distinct 16-6 advantage in first downs. Bracato, Anthony, Chris Cox, Cory Hutchings, Coyle, Thomas Norris and Wardell Glaspie led the Longview defense. Longview also won last year's meeting, in Longview, by a 14-6 score. Although the scoreboard didn't reflect as much, the Lobos totally dominated the first half. They held the Wildcats to only seven yards rushing, that coming on a 9-yard run near the end of the half, and zero first downs. Longview, meanwhile, had a 34-16 edge in plays, 7-0 advantage in first downs, and 115-7 margin in total yards. The lead: 7-3. Ronald Higgins converted a 47-yard field goal with 2:12 remaining in the opening stanza after a shanked Longview punt traveled just 10 yards, setting the 'Cats up at the Lobo 32. Longview's defense held and Higgins came on for the game's initial score. The Lobos finally scored with 2:32 left in the half when Chris Butcher capped a 5-play, 26-yard drive with a 6-yard run. Like Plano, Longview had good field position after a short Wildcat punt of 22 yards to the Plano 26. L'Vendric Fite topped all rushers with 101 yards on 32 caries. |