Preps!
Brighton’s players rushed the field four times before they could officially celebrate an unlikely 20-19 upset win over eighth-ranked and host Grand Blanc on Friday.
The Bobcats (4-1) had the ball, nursing a 19-17 lead with three minutes left in the fourth quarter. But Brighton’s defense stepped up and stripped a Grand Blanc ball carrier, allowing Jack Aigner to fall on the fumble.
The Bulldogs (4-1) put together one final drive, converting on two fourth downs, to get into field goal range, where Rudy Ramirez booted in a 35-yard kick.
Their defense had to step up once again. Grand Blanc, with two seconds left, heaved a Hail Mary into the end zone and drew a pass interference call. The ball moved up to the 25, where the Bobcats got one final untimed down.
“They got to take another shot, but we got pressure on the QB and caused a bad pass,” said Brighton coach Brian Lemons.
“Game over. That last two and half minutes were some of the most exciting football I’ve been a part of. Our kids rushed the field four times because there were four times they thought the game was over.”
Grand Blanc took the lead 19-10 with nine minutes left in the fourth quarter.
Brighton responded with a 7-yard TD rush by Luke Helwing, then got the big fumble recovery.
“I’ve been a part of a lot of games where, in the last three minutes where people say to strip the ball, (a comeback) never happens,” Lemons said. “It’s happened to me with other teams against me a couple of times, but we’re never done it.
“Bam! We got the ball back and with more than enough time to get into field goal range. We didn’t hit the panic button.”
Field goal kicking has been key for the Bulldogs, especially with how well Ramirez, who had a 46-yarder in the first half, has kicked.
“In my experience, I’ve had good kickers every year,” Lemons said. “Our special teams coach does a good job coaching these guys up.
“As soon as you get passed the 40-yard line, you know you’re getting points. You’re not thinking, ‘How do I convert a fourth down at the 25?”