The La Porte Bulldog overcame a big comeback from the Clear Brook Wolverines last Friday night to win in overtime 20-14. It was a sloppy game for both teams as the first game of the year usually is. La Porte turned the ball over 4 times and Clear Brook fumbled 5 times, but got some fortunate bounces and only turned it over 3 times.
After the defense came up big and almost scored twice on the Clear Brook overtime possession, Junior Running Back Jonathan Lewis (12 carries 57 yards) won the game in overtime on a run around the left side untouched to pay-dirt for the 15 yard touchdown run. Junior Safety Vic Holmes had returned a supposed fumble for a touchdown to start the overtime, only the refs called it back claiming a forward pass. Then Senior Cornerback Ellis Hutchinson scooped up another Clear Brook fumble and took it across midfield giving the Bulldogs the ball and the chance for Lewis to win it.
La Porte came out of the gates looking like they would dominate. Clear Brook's Senior Quarterback and primary playmaker Dominique Holmes played only three plays on the first series and never returned to the game. On the Bulldogs first possession they moved the ball past midfield where they faced a 4th and 1 at the Clear Brook 43 yard line. Senior Running Back Keith Whitely (22 carries, 135 yards) picked up the first down with a run to the left side. The Bulldogs would find the end zone on a halfback pass from Sophomore Running Back Britt Grant to Sophomore Wide Receiver David Terrebone for a 36 yard score. Terrebone was wide open and Grant delivered a perfect pass. La Porte lead 7-0 with 3:38 left in the 1st quarter.
After a 3 and out for the Bulldog defense, La Porte would drive the ball with a combination of passes, runs and wildcat runs from QB Vic Holmes. The drive would end with a 3rd and goal pass from Junior Quarterback Jordan Jackson (70% completions and 91 passing yards) to Britt Grant for the touchdown. Just like that it was 14-0 with La Porte in control and 10:13 left in the half.
Clear Brook would not go down without a fight and Senior Defensive End Osagie Aisueni would prove to be a handful up front getting into the Bulldog backfield and shutting down the La Porte offense with his fellow defenders. The Wolverines would get a good long drive with their running game and backup Quarterback James Ramos would run it in from four yards out to cut La Porte's lead to 14-7 with 7:40 left in the half.
La Porte would get the ball back and drive down the field, but fumbled in the red zone and Clear Brook would recover with the game going to halftime and La Porte leading 14-7.
The third quarter was very sloppy on both sides with not much going on and another La Porte red zone turnover put Clear Brook in position to tie the game with a big 4th quarter drive and a one yard touchdown run from Junior Running Back Derek Simmons to tie the game at 14.
La Porte would drive into Clear Brook territory once again, but a Clear Brook interception would once again have the Wolverines driving the other way. Brook would make it to the La Porte 40 yard line before the drive would stall and 18 seconds left on the clock. Clear Brook Senior Kicker Yannis Routsas would line up for a 50 yard field goal attempt into the wind for the upset. His kick went just wide left and Lewis would score the overtime winner for a tough and gutsy win for the Bulldogs.
La Porte's offense covered 385 yards with 23 first downs on the night, but turnovers were a big problem and something that can be fixed. The Bulldog defense played well overall, especially in the first half. La Porte will be looking to improve this coming Friday at 7pm against South Houston at Pasadena Memorial Stadium.
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