Missed extra point gives Bearden 20-19 overtime win

@font-face { font-family: "Calibri"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p { margin: 12pt 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } Josh Haney’s 8-yard touchdown run followed by Conner McCarty’s extra point in overtime proved the difference in Bearden’s 20-19 win over Rhea County at home Friday. What was predicted to be a relatively easy win for the Bulldogs (3-1), on the night of the completed Bill Wilson Dog Walk’s presentation, ended up being an all-out defensive battle that could not be decided in regulation. The Bulldogs gained 281 yards on the night, compared to just 71 by the Golden Eagles. However, the Bulldogs made just enough mistakes, 116 yards of penalties and two turnovers, to give Rhea County (0-4) a chance to win the game in overtime. The Bulldogs scored on their first possession in overtime. Down 20-13, Rhea County answered when Austin Dotson found Jeremy Moffett open in the end zone on third-and-goal from the 18. The Golden Eagles lined up to go for two – and the win. However, a motion penalty moved them back five yards, and they reconsidered. Instead of going for two from eight yards away, the Golden Eagles sent sophomore kicker Jase Jackson onto the field to keep their hopes alive. He missed and sent the Bearden bench into a frenzy. The game had remained scoreless until late in the second quarter when Haney scored his first touchdown of the night from two yards out. A high snap on the PAT kept the score at just 6-0. Haney finished with 107 yards rushing on 23 carries, 69 yards receiving, and three touchdowns. Quarterback Nicky Frizen was 17-of-23 for 160 yards. The Golden Eagles took a 7-6 lead in the third quarter after a special teams mishap gave them a short field to work with. Only moments later, an errant Bearden snap scooped up for an easy touchdown extended the lead to 13-6. The extra point was no good. Bearden’s offense was quick to respond as Haney broke loose for a long run to set up his own short scoring run to tie the game up at 13-13. The Bulldogs’ overtime win was their third win in a row, but sends them into next Friday’s district game against Lenoir City (2-1) with plenty to think about. The Panthers are coming off of a 42-0 win over Sequoyah High School.