The Fairfield Eagles had a dramatic comeback fall short in the final minutes of the game in Rusk. The Eagles fell 35-28 to the Rusk Eagles and 1-3 on the young season.
Fairfield felt the effects of a controversial point in the second quarter when Rusk was awarded with an extra snap which led to a score for the Rusk Eagles. The Eagle offense struggled at times and defenses are taking advantage of inexperienced personnel.
The Eagles were able to strike first in the game when Jar-Mychal Hudson ripped through the Rusk defense on a three-yard touchdown run. The point after sailed through and the Fairfield Eagles held a 7-0 lead with 7:35 remaining in the first quarter.
Rusk matched the score less than a minute later. Sam Thomas scored on a 37 yard run and the point after tied the score at 7-7.
The Rusk Eagles took the lead with 9:41 remaining in the first half. Quarterback Jake Hugghins scored on a one-yard run. The touchdown was scored when Rusk was awarded a fifth play on the goal line. The down box somehow missed a snap and the officials did not adjust the situation when alerted by the Fairfield coaching staff. The one-yard touchdown gave the Rusk Eagles a 14-7 lead.
Rusk added a touchdown to open the second half. Hugghins found Adrian Morris for a 67-yard pass play that electrified the crowd and gave the Rusk Eagles a two touchdown lead at 21-7.
The Eagles of Rusk took control of the game with a 92 yard run in the middle of the third to take a commanding 28-7 lead.
Fairfield began the comeback late in the third quarter. Hudson, subbing in for an injured Kam Ransom, scored his second touchdown in the game with a 33-yard scamper to pay dirt. The point after cut the lead in half at 28-14.
Rusk got the touchdown back in the first moments of the final quarter. Thomas scored on a 15-yard touchdown.
Fairfield kept the try for the win alive with Hudson scoring his third touchdown of the game, this one going for a one-yard score. Kadarrius Walker added a five yard run with 3:44 remaining in the game but could not close the gap any further.
The Fairfield Eagles have their final warmup before the district schedule begins. They will return home to take on state ranked China Spring. The Cougars will come into Eagle Field with a perfect 4-0 record. Their only two losses in the last 18 games are to the Waco LaVega Pirates. The Eagles will be a heavy underdog so they will need the stands full to support the home team. Game time is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.
