Hempstead Independent School District
PRESS RELEASE - HISD2005 - 1014
Public Information
Submitted by: Laurie Bettis

Bobcats Advance to State Playoffs Despite Loss to Bellville

Hempstead - The Hempstead Bobcats will make the playoffs for the first time in over twenty years despite losing to Bellville Friday night. According to Coach Bobby Spain, HISD Athletic Director, this will be Hempstead 's first trip to the state playoffs in football since 1984.

The Bobcats took a hard hit from the Bellville Brahmas Friday night, scoreless for the first time this season, as they lost to Bellville 24-0. Things looked like they were going to be on the Bobcats side early as the Brahmas fumbled the ball on the opening kickoff and the Bobcats recovered it on the 27 yard line in Brahma territory. However, the Bobcats in turn would fumble the ball and the Brahmas had control of the game again. With 8:31 left in the first quarter, things looked up again as Chris Tate intercepted a pass on the Bobcat 13 yard line, denying the Brahmas an early score. However, with 40 seconds left in the first quarter, the Brahmas managed to find the end zone to take the lead. The kick on the extra point attempt was good and the Brahmas led 7-0.

The second quarter was controlled by both teams defensive lines as the quarter was scoreless and the Brahmas led at the half 7-0.

The Bobcats had first possession in the 3 rd quarter. After setting up on the Bobcat 25 yard line, following the kickoff, Quarterback Chris Tate connected with Terrance Toliver in the air. After catching the pass, Toliver ran over 60 yards for a touchdown; however a holding call brought the ball back to the Bobcat 32 yard line and the Bobcats remained scoreless. The Brahmas later took over on the Bobcat 35 yard line and went on to run the ball in for a touchdown themselves with 9:12 left in the quarter. The kick on the extra point attempt was good and the Brahmas widened their lead 14-0. The Bobcats fumbled the ball on the kickoff and the Brahmas once again found themselves with the ball in bobcat territory on the 36 yard line. The Bobcat defense remained tough as they kept the Brahmas from scoring again in the 3 rd quarter.

With 2:18 left in the game, the Brahmas, after being 2 nd and goal and having a touchdown called back, kicked a field goal successfully to continue to lead the game 17-0. The Bobcats fumbled the ball on their own 27 yard line with 2:11 left in the game. The Brahmas turned the possession into a scoring opportunity with 41 seconds left in the game. The kick on the extra point attempt was good and the Brahmas went on to defeat the Bobcats 24-0.

The Bobcats found themselves scoreless for the first time this season as they completed five of twelve passes for a total of 58 yards compared to the Brahmas 56 passing yards. The Bobcats only rushed for 80 yards this week compared to Bellville's 269 yards rushing.

Under the leadership of head coach Rick Sargent, the Bobcats are having a great season this year. With the discipline, desire, and determination that Coach Sargent has instilled in his players, the team will be advancing to the 3A State Playoffs. The Bobcats will play the winner of the Cameron-Hutto game on either Friday or Saturday November 11 th or 12 th . Details of the game will be worked out after Friday night's games. Be sure the check the district's website for the latest and greatest information about playoff details.