Wildcats fall with only seconds left in game

Published 8:53 pm Thursday, October 2, 2008

The Mount Si Wildcats’ problem of turnovers reared its ugly head again last week at home, when two critical fumbles, deep in their own territory, lead to a 17-14 Newport Knights victory, which was capped by a field goal with five seconds remaining in the game.

After taking the opening kick at the 39 and moving the ball close to midfield, the Wildcats’ Ian Opsal broke several tackles for a 50-yard touchdown reception, bringing the momentum of the game toward the Mount Si sideline. The Wildcat’s Chris Brown added the extra point to give Mount Si a 7-0 lead with 10:05 left in the first.

The Mount Si defense stifled several Newport drives. The first stop was made as the Knights were at the Wildcat 22-yard line as a failed quarterback sneak gave the ball back to the ‘Cats. But with only 4:47 left in the first, a Wildcat fumble gave the Knights another chance. From 29 yards out, the Knights Mujale Chisabuka scored a touchdown. The extra point was good and the score was tied at 7-7.

The Wildcats would answer on their next drive. Starting from their own 36, quarterback Alex Smart worked the ball down the field. Catches by Evan Hillburn and Conrad Haustveit moved the ball into Newport territory. A critical third-and-long reception by Ben Kruze kept the drive alive at the Newport 13 yard line. Two plays later, Michael Keller lumbered into the end zone for the score with 9:32 left in the second quarter. Brown added the extra point to make the score 14-7.

For the complete story, pick up a copy of this week’s record