The Phil Campbell Bobcats (1-1; 1-0) opened region play with a four-overtime thriller, beating Vinemont 44-42. For most of regulation, the game was three yards and a cloud of dust, dominated by Vinemont’s rushing attack.  The Eagles dominated time of possession in the first half, keeping the Phil Campbell offense off the field.

“I am extremely proud of these guys,” said Phil Campbell coach Jacob Hamilton. “We played from behind the whole game. Our defense was on the field a lot and we never gave up and never gave in. We were tough when it counted, and it was a true team win.”

Vinemont scored first on the opening play of the second quarter on a 22-yard run and two-point conversion to take an 8-0 lead. The Eagles got into scoring position late in the first half, but Phil Campbell’s Hagan Raper picked off the pass in the endzone.

After a scoreless third quarter, the pace of the game began to quicken significantly when Hayden Wingo broke free for a 91-yard touchdown run. The Bobcats couldn’t convert the two-point run and still trailed Vinemont 8-6 with nine minutes to go in the third quarter.

The Eagles responded quickly on the ensuing drive, scoring on a 58-yard run. The failed two-point run kept the Bobcats within one score 14-6. Phil Campbell got that score with 59 seconds to go in the game when Hayston Scott found Hagan Raper for a 28-yard touchdown pass. Noah Raper tied 14-14, converting the two-point conversion run.

Vinemont wasn’t finished, however, driving into scoring territory and attempting a 38-yard field goal that fell short, sending the game into overtime. Phil Campbell scored first in overtime on a Scott 12-yard pass to Jayden Taylor. Wingo’s two-point conversion run gave the Bobcats a 22-14 lead.

Vinemont responded with a score to send the game to a second overtime. The Eagles scored again to take a 30-22 lead, but Phil Campbell answered on a 10-yard run by Scott and a Noah Raper two-point conversion run to send the game into a third overtime. Hayston Scott gave Phil Campbell the advantage, scoring on an 11-yard run. The two-point conversion run failed, putting the Bobcats on top, 36-30. Vinemont matched the Bobcats again, missing the two-point conversion to send the game into a third overtime.

Vinemont scored on their first play of the fourth overtime but missed the two-point conversion, giving the Eagles a 42-36 advantage. Scott scored his third overtime touchdown on a six-yard run, giving Phi Campbell a chance to win the game, which they did when Noah Raper converted the two-point play.

Scott ended the game with 21 carries for 150 yards and four touchdowns. He also threw for a touchdown. Wingo carried the ball nine times for 99 yards and a touchdown.

Noah Raper led the defense with 15 tackles followed by Guage Plumley with 12 (including a fumble recovery), Mason Weeks with 12, Ethan Hallman with 12 and Chadler Benford with 11.

The Bobcats will go on the road this week to Oakman.