The Orangefield Bobcats nearly pulled off a heroic Homecoming comeback Friday night at F.L. McClain Stadium but fell short thanks to a fingertip interception by Liberty late in the game to give the Panthers a 24-16 win.
Liberty fumbled for the third time on the night, this time with 1:15 left in the game, to give the Bobcats the ball near midfield and the opportunity for a Homecoming miracle. Unfortunately a floating pass from quarterback Christian Louvier to a seemingly open Orangefield receiver was snagged from the air at the last moment by a leaping Liberty defender near the Panthers 20-yard line to seal the victory for the visiting team.
The Panthers (5-1, 1-0) had 315 total yards on the night. Jeremiah Guillory led all runners with 150 yards on 23 carries and scored all three of the Panthers touchdowns, which included a 9-yard scamper on the opening drive, an 11-yard score in the second quarter and a 26-yard romp up the middle and to the left midway through the fourth quarter.
Orangefield (1-3, 0-1) tallied just 230 yards offense on the night, but the defense kept the Bobcats within striking distance throughout the game by recovering three fumbles, as well as an interception in the third quarter.
Louvier completed three passes in six attempts for 55 yards. He also had a 6-yard touchdown to Blake Bradley in the fourth quarter and the one interception at the end of the game. Louvier led the Bobcats stable of running backs with 58 yards on 13 carries.
Orangefield has a bye next Friday and will hit the road on Oct. 27 to face the Longhorns of Hamshire-Fannett.
Liberty 24
Orangefield 16
LIB 7 10 0 7 — 24
OF 6 0 0 10 — 16
Scoring Summary
L – Jeremiah Guillory 9 yard run, Jesus Landeverde kick (7:30)
O – Christian Louvier 1 yard run, kick failed (1:00)
L – Guillory 11 run, Landeverde kick (7:54)
L – Landeverde 25 yard field goal (0:00)
O – Jacob Rainey 28 yard field goal (10:28)
L – Guillory 26 yard run, Landeverde kick (5:19)
O – Blake Bradley 6 yard pass from Louvier, Rainey kick (2:03)
Lib OF
First downs 20 15
Rushes-yards 41-271 41-176
Passing 43 55
Total yards 314 231
Comp-Att-Int 3-8-1 4-9-1
Fumbles-Lost 3-3 2-2
Penalties-yards 5-36 3-35
Social Media