FOOTBALL: Lakewood edges Rosewood in OT

By Justin Hayes
Published in Sports on October 7, 2016 9:57 AM

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Impossible.

That was the common refrain uttered by lingering circles of Rosewood High enthusiasts in the wake of a stunning, 29-28 overtime setback to Carolina 1-A rival Lakewood at Branch Pope Field on Thursday evening.

The matchup, played before a strong purple-and-gold contingent, was equal parts sluggish and scintillating.

Both teams began slowly, running off tackle in heavy doses and promoting ball security in misting, slick conditions. At the opening quarter whistle, the two outfits had combined for more punts than first downs.

But that would change.

Rosewood's Tron Blue struck first for the hosts, scampering 27 yards to paydirt at the 6:44 mark of the second quarter. The ice breaker was part of a stellar outing for the senior, who filed 136 rushing yards on 26 carries for the Eagles.

His performance was lauded by Rosewood head coach Robert Britt.

"Tron is getting better week after week," the coach said. "About two weeks in, he really started having faith in the guys up front... I'm happy for him."

Lakewood got in the scorebook two minutes later, courtesy of Keshon Bailey's nine-yard burst to the end zone. The senior's effort capped a seven-play, 65-yard drive that sent both teams to the locker room tied at seven apiece.

Rosewood quarterback Cameron Helt and Blue carried the Eagles in the second half, offsetting a third quarter Lakewood strike by leading the purple-and-gold on two scoring marches of 12 and 15 plays, respectively.

After Helt's 20-yard touchdown rumble at the game's 5:09 mark, the hosts led 21-14.

Then matters turned manic.

Following a heart-stopping conversion on 4th-and-17 near midfield, Lakewood signal caller Zach Tanner found the end zone on a broken-play, 31-yard pylon grab with just over a minute remaining.

Lakewood 21, Rosewood 21.

And when the Eagles failed to gain a first down on their next possession, Tanner rallied his troops into position for a game-winning, 37-yard attempt with 10.6 seconds left in the contest.

Chris Torres' kick, however, missed wide right.

Overtime.

Rosewood opened quickly in the extra session, scoring on an 11-yard pitch-and-catch from Helt to senior Chase Fields. The toss, a newly formed goal-line wrinkle by Rosewood, was established by a brilliant play fake by Helt.

"Their goal line package gave us trouble last year, so we had some things schemed up," Britt said. "And we felt like Chase would be open in the middle."

Lakewood clawed back with a touchdown of its own -- a punishing, one-yard burst by Bailey -- that set up the night's most dramatic moment.

The Leopards' PAT snap was low and subsequently bobbled by Tanner before the quarterback entered scramble mode.

With all of Eagle country giving chase, Tanner stayed upright long enough to launch an orb that floated toward the end zone.

Forever.

With players on both teams jostling for position, Lakewood senior Cameron Bryant rose above two Eagle defenders and hauled in the wobbing Hail Mary.

Ball game.

"It was a game of each team battling it out, making their own plays," Britt said of the outcome. "Lakewood just happened to make the last one."

The loss moved Rosewood to 3-5 on the season and 1-2 in Carolina 1-A play. Lakewood now stands 5-3 overall and 2-1 in league matters.

PENALTY FREE

* The contest was largely devoid of violations, and saw the teams combine to draw just eight handkerchiefs on the evening.

CAM'S NIGHT

* The quarterback was again solid, carrying the luggage 25 times for 150 yards and a touchdown... he also threw for two scores, including a 20-yard dime to freshman Jack White in the third quarter.

"He's a baller," head coach Robert Britt said, "when people watch our film, they have to know where No. 8 is -- all the time."