The Mexia Blackcats fell behind early and could not come back in a 44-21 loss to the Salado Eagles at Eagle Stadium on Friday night.
The Blackcats are trying to avoid going winless in district play and have one more opportunity to win a district game at home against Lorena.
Salado jumped out to a quick lead and that was enough the keep the Blackcats behind the remainder of the night. Hunter Turk had a pair of touchdown runs, a five-yard run and a 33-yard run. The Eagles added a two-point conversion for the early 15-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Senior quarterback Jaden Proctor put the Blackcats on the board on the first play of the second quarter. He scored on a two-yard touchdown run and cut the Eagle lead to 15-7.
Turk added his third touchdown of the first half on a five-yard run to restore the lead past ten points to 23-7. Proctor quickly answered for the Blackcats on a highlight 67-yard burst midway through the second quarter. The lead was back to single digits at 23-14.
Brown scored on a four-yard run, just seconds before the half and the teams entered the locker room with a 29-14 Salado lead.
Proctor scored to lead off the third quarter on a 23-yard run to get the Blackcats as close as the would be the entire night at 29-21.
Turk and Connor Cook put the game away with a touchdown run from four yards away for Turk and Cook on a 37-yard run for the 44-21 final score.
Proctor led the Blackcats in rushing with 123 yards on 14 carries and all three Blackcat touchdowns. Turk led all rushers with 21 carries for 186 yards and four touchdowns.
Salado will visit the Fairfield Eagles with high playoff hopes on the line. They need a win and some help to stay alive and the Blackcats finish at home against Lorena on Friday.
Scott Batts reporting.
