The goal has always been to finish the season where they started it, Houchens Smith Stadium. The Purples just needed one more win to get there, but John Hardin would not make it easy.
Lincoln Quick made the first big play for Bowling Green, ripping the ball away from a Bulldog running back on the first offensive play of the game. That led to a 2 yard touchdown run to put the Purples uo 7-0. The ball bounced in favor of BG on the ensuing kickoff, with Danny Dewalt scooping up a fumble and taking it to the house. Tisdale scored his second touchdown of the night, and the Purples led 21-0 after the first quarter.
When Devin Hayes found Necarius Fant for a 39 yard TD pass to open up the second quarter, it appeared the Purples were on their way to another running clock and an easy stroll to the state title game…
…but John Hardin wasn’t ready to pack it up just yet.
The Bulldogs scored on their next drive, on a QB keeper by Patrick Anderson. They threatened to score again before the half, but Lincoln Quick ripped another fumble. The Purples could not capitalize after to turnover, as Hayes threw a pick towards the end of the half. Bowling went into the locker room up 27-14.
The Bulldogs kept the defensive pressure up in the second half, and capped of the comeback with just under 9 minutes to go in the game with a 19 yard TD run by Deville. This gave John Hardin their first lead of the game at 28-27. The Purples offense continued to struggle in the fourth quarter, but after the Purples D forced a missed field goal, Hayes and Company drove 80 yards for the go ahead score, a one yard run by Blake Pillow. Austin Jones sealed the win by picking off a John Hardin hook and ladder attempt.
Bowling Green returns to the State Championship game for third consecutive year, and will take on Pulaski County. The game will be Saturday, December 7th, starting at 7:00. Be sure to join us for all the action right here on PurplesNation.com!
