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The Houston Tigers played a hard-fought game Friday night as the began post-season play by refacing the Ava Bears.
1st Quarter: Ava Bears receive the ball and are able to pick up a First down within the first 3 to 4 minutes of play. Aiden Lane scores for Ava under a short field goal with about a 52-Yard Touchdown run. The Bears take an 8-0 lead. And fortunately, The Tigers come back and make some steady offensive moves leading DJ Riley to make a 32 yard Touchdown run bringing the Houston Tigers to trail by two. Ava attempts a punt with minute to spare in the quarter but get it very far out of bounds. Enough time elapses during the punt to end the Quarter with Ava still leading 8-6
2nd Quarter- The Tigers attempt to beat the Bears at their game, trying to take off as much time off the clock as possible. They are able to get the ball from about the 30 down to the 38 yard line. The Bears threaten to get the Tigers to commit an offside penalty. After the Bears commit to getting some yardage, they are able to get the Bears to fumble the ball. Jordan Arthur for the Tigers, attempts to break through some snaps but is brought down. He is however, still able to pick up about seventeen yards. And after some passed time, Arthur is able to get into the In-zone for the Touchdown. Houston now takes a Six-Point lead after a good Two-point conversion As Ava gets back on offense, their goal seems to be good. Lane for the Bears almost scores on a pass but is nearly misplaced. However, Jacob Laub for the Bears takes the ball into the In-Zone as he still has a good field position from the Previous play. With a good two point conversion, Ava takes back a two point lead. By this point, The Tiger offense has no other option but allow the clock to run out.
HALFTIME- Ava Bears: 16/ Houston Tigers: 14
3rd Quarter- Houston will receive the ball to start the 2nd Half. DJ Riley ends up nearly fumbling the ball, luckily Houston is able to keep it. Fortunately, Houston ends up picking up a 1st down. Riley who is the main player of interest for The Tigers is trying to fight of Ava offenders and trying to increase in yardage. As Ava takes their next offensive possession, Jacob Laub ends up picking up a few yards. However, to The Tigers advantage; The Bears end up being forced to punt the ball back. And as The Tigers get the ball back on offense, Jordan Arthur has the ball and low and behold ends up taking the ball in for a 24 yard touchdown run and breaking through tackles. The Tigers take a 20-16 lead over the Bears. A big gain for Laub once again on the Bear offense as he gets about 33 yards on a run. By this point, Bears are taking 1st & 25. Laub will take the ball to the House for a 16 yard touchdown run, this pitch kills The Tigers effort and successfully get a Two point conversion. During the Tigers offensive setup; Both teams get a few passes back and forth. Tigers are still trying to come within reach of a 1st down.
End of Three- Bears: 24/ Tigers: 22
4th Quarter: Tigers are close to a First down. Riley passes to Jordan Arthur, but the ball goes out of bounds. And as a trick play, a great throw on a second attempt as the ball gets into the In-Zone. Tigers will take a 27-24 lead with a good extra point. As another offensive possession is taken, The ball goes loose and is caught by Bryson Jordan. Houston takes back possession. This will be Ava’s 2nd fumble. Arthur is in the in-zone and Houston now take a 9 point lead. Upon another snap and a penalty on the Bears, Houston doesn’t get the two point conversion. However; This now puts the Tigers within reach of making it out of their first postseason game with a win. Ava nearly fumbles the ball on the next offensive possession, unfortunately Ava will keep possession though Houston comes within reach of getting it back. Jacob Laub for the Bears takes up amble yardage in motion. Bears get a 16 yard pass from Merritt to Laub. And with a good two point conversion, The Bears come within two points of The Tigers (33-32). Tigers will take the ball at the 45 yard line on a possession. Jordan Arthur will get a gain of 4 and get down to the the 49 yard line. Arthur makes it down to the 37 yard line as the Tigers are attempting to play out the clock and deny the Bears possession with just 3:48 to go in the ballgame. Arthur will get in the 25 yard line and a First down and get a gain on 11 now with just 2 ½ minutes to go. Another first down now as the ball gets as far as the 14. Tigers will go 2nd & 7 with just 1:45 to go, Arthur walks it into the In-Zone! This brings the Tiger lead to 40-32 with just a minute left. Jacob Laub will get the ball on Ava offense. Tigers steadily play some good defense, bringing Laub down as he attempts to pickup yardage. The Bears do however pick up a 1st & 10. The ball ends up getting picked off in the in–zone in double coverage by Jordan Arthur. In the final 33 seconds, Houston is allowed to take a knee as they win their First post season game. A complete turnaround from their 43-7 loss in Week Six
As the Liberty Eagles advance in their district seat, The Tigers will end up Facing The Liberty Eagles at Liberty/Mtn View next Friday. You can catch that game on The Fox 96.9
