The Teague Lions battled even for a half but some key turnovers in the second ended with a Lion loss to the Crockett Bulldogs on the road Friday night. Teague remains needing a win to remain alive in the playoff chase and will face the Palestine Westwood Panthers at home Friday night.
Teague took the ball and marched downfield and took some time off the clock. They would turn the ball over on downs and the Bulldogs took over for their opportunity to put the first points on the board. Zay Butler did just that with a 15-yard touchdown run with just over two minutes remaining in the first period. The point after was good and the Bulldogs led 7-0.
The Lions wasted no time matching the score as they exhausted the remaining moments of the first quarter. With ten seconds gone in the second quarter, senior quarterback Garrett Winkler passed to Kade Kormos for the 35-yard touchdown. The point after was no good and the Bulldogs maintained a 7-6 lead.
The teams exchanged possessions until just under the two-minute timeout. Jaylen White scored on a five-yard run and along with the extra point, the Bulldogs led 14-6.
Teague was able to put points on the board with seconds remaining in the first half. Mario Cuevas dove in for a one-yard plunge for the touchdown and the point after was no good and the Bulldogs held the 14-12 lead at the half.
Crockett blew the game open in the second half against a shorthanded Lion defense. Julian Adams scored on a six-yard touchdown run midway through the third quarter and led 20-12.
The Lions worked downfield, and the drive appeared they would get the game close until Winkler had his pass intercepted. Butler stepped in front of the pass and returned it 65 yards for the pick six and extended the lead to 26-12.
Butler added a 52-yard run with under four minutes remaining in the game to close out the scoring and claim the 33-12 win.
The Lions are two games back of district leaders Fairfield and Palestine Westwood. They will host the Westwood Panthers Friday night in a crucial game for the Lions to remain in the playoff hunt.
(Photos by Jessica Risken)
