Rains dampen Hale Centers hunt for win

Hours of steady rain was a blessing to the parched West Texas landscape, however it did prove to be quite a hindrance Friday night for the Hale Center Owls who slipped and dropped a victory to the Sudan Hornets by a final score of 21-12.

In the majority of the first half, both teams struggled to capitalize on opportunities as both offenses found it difficult to find significant yards in the mud. It wouldnt be until late in the second quarter when Sudan quarterback Stephen Schovasja would scramble down the right sideline for a 15-yard touchdown with 35 seconds left in the half. A two-point conversion run by Barry Johnson put the Hornets up 8-0. Johnson found his stride in the second half as he used short gains up the middle of the field to rack up two touchdowns and a total of 163 rushing yards in the entire game.

However, Hale Center gained its footing in the second half as the Owls battled into scoring position after a 20-yard punt return by Dalton Needham. Hale Centers running back Max Lucero then found an opening, making his way down to the 18-yard line. Ten yards later, Lucero finished the job with an 8-yard touchdown run. Lucero contributed to Hale Centers 214 total rushing yards. A two-point conversion would fail, keeping Hale Center down 8-6.

Johnson quickly answered for Sudan as a march down the field ended in a 3-yard touchdown run by the running back. A failed two-point conversion lit up the scoreboard at 14-6.

In the fourth quarter, Johnson scored again after a 25-yard touchdown run, to put Sudan up 21-6.

With just more than two minutes left in the game, a second fumble recovery by Needham set the Owls up deep in Hornet territory.

With a run up the center of the field, Lucero picked up the second touchdown for Hale Center, making the score 21-12 after a field two-point conversion.

But time would run out for the Owls, which posted their second loss of the season. Hale Center will take on Farwell next Friday as they head to the home of the Steers.

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Rains dampen Hale Centers hunt for win