By MITCH WORD

Last Friday’s football game between the Brownfield Cubs and Roosevelt Eagles was so exciting that, even when the clock showed the game was over, there was still some football to be played.

The Cubs scored a fourth-quarter touchdown, then held off a furious Roosevelt rally before overcoming the Eagles 23-17 in non-district action at Cub Stadium.

The win evened the Cubs’ mark at 1-1.

The win didn’t come without a fight, however. After a Tae Williams touchdown run put Brownfield ahead 22-15, the extra-point kick by Diego Campos was no good. However, Roosevelt was caught offsides on the play, allowing for another try at the PAT.

This time Diego was good on the kick, and the Cubs led 23-15.

Following a stalled Roosevelt drive, the Cubs got the ball back deep in their own territory. Brownfield wanted to run the ball in order to run the time out, forcing Roosevelt to call timeout to stop the clock. The Cub drive came to an end and they were forced to punt.

Punter Donnie Riojas was unable to handle a snap that skidded on the ground. Instead of trying a kick under pressure, Riojas instead threw the ball out of the back of the end zone for a safety, giving Roosevelt two points and closing the Cub lead to 23-17.

”That was intentional on our part,” Welps said. “I told Donnie that if we didn’t get a good snap to give them the safety rather than an opportunity for a touchdown.”

Following the Cub kickoff from the twenty, Roosevelt took the ball and hurried downfield as time ticked away. They eventually got to the Cub four-yardline with six seconds left. A pass in the end zone fell short as time ran out, but the Cubs were called for defensive pass interference, giving the Eagles one more play with no time left on the clock.

On that play, a pass on the right side of the end zone fell incomplete, and the Cubs were ready to celebrate their 23-17 win.

The Cubs had just 200 yards for the night, scoring on short drives. Meanwhile, the Brownfield defense gave up 350 yards for the night.

“I thought our defense did a good job,” Welps said. “We had a bend-but-don’t-break philosophy, and we were able to hold on for the win.”

The 1-1 Cubs now get ready to travel to Dalhart for a 7:30 p.m. contest Friday. Dalhart is 2-0 for the year after defeating Guymon, Okla. 30-3 last week.

The Wolves had 359 yards total offense, led by Devonte Burks, who had 168 yards on just five carries. Running back Dominic Baca had 101 yards on 17 carries.

“Dalhart is a very good football team with a lot of experience. They went to the area round of the playoffs last year,” Welps said. “They have a great running back in Burks, and they have a great tight end and an experienced quarterback. However, I think we match up with them talent-wise. I think we’re equal with them.”