Inopportune miscues in the final quarter last week spoiled the best all-around offensive performance of the season for Madill as the Wildcats dropped a narrow 26-21 district decision to Chickasha last week.
The Wildcats led 21-20 early in the fourth period and were threatening for more but a failed fourth down from the one-yard line turned the ball over. The Fighting Chicks capitalized on that defensive stand in driving 99 yards for the go-ahead score, 70 of which came on a touchdown pass moments later.
Madill still had chances with two drives into Chickasha territory, one of which ended on downs at the 35 and the second reached the 24 before costly penalties thwarted the march.
The hosts looked like they would get one final chance in the final minute but a 12men on the field penalty on fourth down virtually ended the comeback bid.
“We had an opportunity to win the game but made some mistakes and just couldn’t get it done,” said head coach John Heavner. “We had the ball at the one on the first play of the final quarter and twice had it in their territory after that with a chance to take the lead. We just shot ourselves in the foot. We just needed to be a little cleaner and execute a little better. I hate it for the kids that we couldn’t get it done. We had our opportunities, and I was proud of our kids. They had gone through a challenging couple of weeks, but they fought their tails off. I am super proud of the way they continue to work.”
Madill got on the scoreboard first in the opening quarter when Baylor Bond tossed a 21-yard touchdown pass to Talyn Reames. Uziel Flores added the first of three extra points on the night for a 7-0 advantage.
AfterChickashaanswered to tie the game, the Wildcats marcheddownthefieldagain for another 13-yard scoring toss from Bond to Reames with 2:21 left in the stanza.
TheFightingChicksfound the end zone again just before the half to knot it at 14-14 at intermission.
Jackson Harper notched one of his best ground performances of the year and capped the first Madill possession of the third frame with an eight-yard scoring run.
Chickasharespondedwith a scoring drive again, setting the stage for the Wildcats’ march to one yard away from the end zone when things began to turn.
Uziel Flores kicks for a field goal.