Wall Hawks Surge in the 4th Quarter, Defeating Bushland in Area Playoff

LEVELLAND, TX-- The Wall Hawks defeated the Bushland Falcons in Lobo Stadium 21-14 after huge defensive plays late in the game.

The first drive of the game saw Bushland come out when Wren Watson threw a 43-yard touchdown to Jake Orcutt.

Wall’s response was the usual game plan— to run the ball down the opposing teams throat. They drove down the field and Wall QB Mason Fuchs capped it off with a 2-yard touchdown. 

At the end of the first quarter the score was 7-7. The second quarter was full of fourth down attempts, but with neither team scoring. Both teams went to the locker room tied at 7-7.

Wall started the second half on offense and as it seemed fullback Sutton Braden found a hole of daylight, but then a Falcon hit the ball out from behind. Bradon's fumble meant the Falcons got the ball.

It didn't take long for Bushland to take advantage of the turnover when Watson threw a 47-yard touchdown to Tanner Troxell. 

After the kickoff, Chase Rios for the Hawks got the ball on three consecutive plays where he gained 15 yards, but on the third attempt he too fumbled the ball. 

"We've done this all year long, We've had to come through obstacles, but ours guys don't panic," said coach Houston Guy. "That has to do with huge leadership."

Unlike the last Bushland drive, Wall's defense came out and got a fourth down stop on their own 10-yard line. At the end of the third quarter the score was 14-7, Bushland leading.

Then the Wall comeback commenced in the 4th quarter. Fuchs found Coleman Coon for a 36-yard touchdown pass to start of the quarter. This tied the score at 14-14.

Bushland was looking like it would answer. They drove down the field on a drive that looked like was headed fourth the end zone, but Lane Ashley picked off Watson on his own 39-yard line.

Wall drove the down field for the last time with patience as they took off four out of the five minutes left, and capped off the drive with a Fuchs 25-yard rushing touchdown. 

Wall still needed one more stop and sophomore Drew Morrison did just that.

"We got a taunting penalty so they had the short field, and I knew our defense could get the stop, but just don't let them have a big play," Guy said. "We picked him off at the end but got a roughing the passer call that I thought was a close call, so they gave them the ball with half the distance to the goal and I knew had to go for the score. Our [line backers] coach told our mike (middle) LB to drop and Drew [Morrison] dropped back and waited for it."

The final score was 21-14. The Wall Hawks will play the Brock Eagles next Friday at Shotwell Stadium in Abilene for the 3A Division 1 Regional Semifinal