The Brownwood Lions defeated the Gatesville Hornets Friday night in the home opener of the season with a score of 41-20.
The Lions came out early scoring three touchdowns within the first 8 minutes of the game. Brownwood Head Coach Bob Shipley said that several mistakes allowed Gatesville to take advantage and score some points as the game moved forward.
“Any win is a good win,” Shipley said “We have to get all of our mistakes corrected.”
He explained that although some had playing experience from last year, there were really only 2 starters returning when 18 players that graduated had to be replaced. Last year’s JV players have been moved up to fill those gaps.
“We are certainly going to favor this win against a really scrappy Gatesville team,” Shipley said.
Quarterback Mitch Stephens and Running Back Stehl Ratliff made several big plays to put some points on the board.
“Mitch did well,” Shipley said. “For the first time the reigns were his. I’m really pleased. He did a good job.”
Receiver Cooper Howey also made some big plays, including two touchdowns, despite having little previous high school playing time due to injuries.
“Howey didn’t get to play last year due to injuries,” Shipley said. “He did a great job tonight. He made up his mind to get in shape, he was depended on to make some plays and he did that.”
The Lions will travel to Graham next week for the first away game of the season.
Click Photo Gallery Below for photos from the Brownwood vs Gatesville Game. Game highlights and coach and player video at bottom of the page.
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Top Photo: Lions’ Quarterback Mitch Stephens making a run against Gatesville.
Photos by Ray Tipton
Game Highlights:
-In just 23 seconds into the game, Stehl Ratliff made a half back pass to Cooper Howey, an 81 yard pass for a touchdown. This was followed by Matt McCrane kicking the extra point for a 7-0 lead.
-QB Mitch Stephens connected with Ratliff on a screen pass for 42yds and a touchdown with 8:50 left in the 1st quarter. McCrane was good for another extra point bringing the lead to 14-0.
-7 minutes into the game, Stephens hands off to Ratliff who completes a 17 yard run to end a 47 yard drive with a touchdown. McCrane kicks the extra point and the Lions are then 21 points ahead of Gatesville.
-10:21 left in the second quarter, Gatesville gets a touchdown on a 7 yard pass and scores the extra point to put some numbers on the scoreboard, 21-7.
-4:45 left in the second quarter, Gatesville hit a 36 yard field goal, bringing the score to 21-10.
-With 4:24 left in the half, Stephens runs for a 70 yard touchdown, raising the score to 28-10 after McCrane scores the extra point.
-Less than 2 minutes left in the half, Stephens connects with Howey for a 30 yard touchdown. McCrane’s kick is blocked and the extra point is no good. Score is 34-10.
-Howey makes an interception saving a possible Gatesville TD with just a 1:40 left in the half.
-Gatesville completes a 44 yard field goal with just 7 ½ seconds left in the half. Score is 34-13 at the half.
No points scored in the 3rd quarter.
-10:40 4th quarter, Ratliff catches a pass at the 1 yard line and rolls into the endzone for the touchdown. McCrane is good for the extra point and the final score is 41-13.
-Gatesville scores a touchdown near the end of the 4th quarter.
Final score – Brownwood 41- Gatesville 20
Gatesville 0 13 0 7 – 20
Brownwood 21 13 0 7 – 41
Total Offense Brownwood – 460 yards
Total Offense Gatesville – 283
Brownwood Total Rushing Yards – 252 Total Passing Yards – 208
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