NEW WAVERLY — Coming off a dominating performance in week three, the Tigers traveled to New Waverly looking to add another notch to the win column.
Those hopes were dashed in the last seconds of the fourth quarter when a field goal attempt bounced off the goalpost, which handed the Tigers a 1-point loss, 36-35.
The Tigers took the opening kickoff and put together an 11-play opening drive that resulted in a 12-yard touchdown run by Ayden DeBose; Alex Sanchez added the extra point giving the Tigers a 7-0 lead. The Bulldogs gave the ball back to the Tigers after a failed fake punt, and Terian Maxie needed just one play to connect with Cord’e Walker for a 51-yard touchdown pass. After the failed extra point and strong defensive play, the Tigers took a 13-0 lead into the second quarter.
The Tigers opened the quarter driving down the field, and a 28-yard pass completion to Chance Barron set up Maxie for a 1-yard touchdown run and a 20-0 lead over the Bulldogs. With just :54 left in the first half, the Bulldogs were able to get on the scoreboard off a 4th-down run for 9 yards. The Tigers took a 20-7 lead into the locker room at halftime.
The Bulldogs received the ball to start the third quarter and were able to put together a 9-play scoring drive and tighten the score to 20-14. Each team was able to drive the ball deep into enemy territory, but strong defensive play by both sides kept the score unchanged headed into the 4th quarter.
With 10:11 left in the game, the Bulldogs were able to take the lead 21-20 off a 26-yard touchdown pass. The Tigers regained the lead on their next possession with a 2-yard touchdown run by Maxie, Maxie also carried the ball in for the 2-point conversion giving the Tigers a 7-point lead.
On the Bulldogs’ next possession, they were able to tie the game with a 14-yard touchdown run. The Tigers were able to quickly regain the lead off a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Antwone Daniels. With the Sanchez extra point, the Tigers led 35-28 with 4:58 left to play.
As time wound down in the game, the Tigers were able to force a fumble to end a scoring threat by the Bulldogs, but a Tiger fumble on the next play gave the Bulldogs life. With just :36 seconds left to play, the Bulldogs regained the lead with a 14-yard touchdown pass and successful 2-point conversion.
The Bulldogs kicked the ball into the endzone, and starting at their own 25-yard line with just 33 seconds left to play, the Tigers led by a Maxie 40-yard run, got the ball to the Bulldog 20-yard line. With just 5-seconds remaining, the team attempted a 37-yard field goal. The kick hit the upright on the goal post, bounced back into the endzone, and gave the Bulldogs a 36-35 victory over the Tigers.
Trinity racked up 389 total yards this week behind Terian Maxie, who had 172 yards rushing for 2 TDs and 132 yards passing for 1 TD. Cord’e Walker hauled in 4 receptions for 96 yards and 1 TD.
After the game, the coaching staff expressed to the team how proud they were of the effort the Tigers put forth in the game. Although the loss was heartbreaking to all of Tiger Nation, the team displayed more passion and drive to win than in years past.
Although the Tigers are 2-2 on the season, both losses occurred with less than 1 minute left in the game and each time the Tigers made drives to retake the lead as time expired.
The Tigers will return home Friday to face the Kountz Lions. The Tigers will honor Hometown Heroes at halftime, this will include all veterans, fire, police and EMS personnel. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
The Eagles put a win in this year’s season by downing Christian Heritage 51-25.
Stats were not immediately available.
The Indians were held scoreless for three quarters, and a fourth-quarter score did not stop the Grapeland Sandies, who won 52-6.
Stats were not available.
