Hollow Rock-Bruceton Central’s Tigers crawled out of a 16-point deficit in the last seconds of the fourth quarter to tie Wayne County 22-22 last Friday, September 12. A penalty cost the Tigers crucial yards and a much-needed touchdown during sudden-death overtime, leading to a narrow Wayne County victory, 28-22.
Quarterback Braxton Howard completed 23 of 31 passes for 317 yards and two touchdowns. Howard connected often with Brady Roberts, who finished the night with eight catches for 127 yards and a score. Seth Thomas also found the end zone, hauling in four passes for 75 yards, while Carter Lowe added 65 yards on four receptions.
The Tigers’ defense fueled the comeback, with Lowe getting 17 total tackles (15 assisted, two solo). Peyton Maness was a force up front with 13 stops, while Brenden Moudy added 10 tackles. Sal Sala chipped in seven tackles, including a stop behind the line. Tanner Walters scooped a fumble, as well as contributed a defensive touchdown.
In sudden-death overtime, Wayne County had the ball first. They found the endzone, however, failed on the two-point attempt.
The Tigers answered quickly with what looked to be the tying score, but a holding penalty pushed them back ten yards. Three determined plays put them back within striking distance, setting up a storybook finish. On the final snap of the night, Wayne County defense dragged Daegan Collins down just inches short of the goal line, sealing the Wildcats’ narrow 28-22 victory.
Hollow Rock-Bruceton, now 4-1 for the season, will look to bounce back on the road Friday, September 26, when they travel to face Collinwood in a Region 6-1A matchup.
