Falcons give Ricebirds surprise 21-14 loss
Foster's fourth-quarter secures game, El Campo scoreless in second half
By KRIS BAGLEY sports@leader-news.com

L-N Photo by Chris Barbee 'Birds Grounded El Campo's running game was kept in check much of the time last night by the Foster Falcons in Rosenberg, as Ricebird quarterback Tyler Woods (46), running back Anthony Terrell (30) and Maverick Smith (not pictured) found out. In this action Woods keeps on a third and five, but was left three yards short after being hit high and low. El Campo, now 7-1 on the season, lost 21-14.

Favored to come away with a blowout win Friday at Traylor Stadium against the Foster Falcons, El Campo received a shock instead.

The 7-0 Ricebirds faced the 1-6 Falcons on Foster's homecoming and fell in a surprising 21-14 decision in District 24-4A action.

Neither team got anything going in their first series, but given a second chance to start the game strong, El Campo was determined to score.

With dominant play by the offensive line, it took the Ricebirds seven plays to drive 57 yards for a touchdown.

The Ricebirds actually reached the end zone twice. After a deep push, Tyler Woods walked a quarterback keeper into the end zone from two yards out, but an illegal block by El Campo brought the ball back to the 12-yard line.

The next play, fullback Anthony Terrell ran a sweep up the right side and crossed the goal line for the touchdown. Woods came through with the extra point and El Campo took a 7-0 lead.

The lead only lasted a short time as Foster took good field position on the following kickoff.

The Falcons started the next drive from El Campo's 42-yard line and on the first play, made a big run to get to El Campo's 14. Five plays later and a quarterback sneak led to a tied game at 7-7.

Foster held El Campo to three plays and a punt in the next series and once again, looked to score in the second quarter.

The 'Birds held the Falcons to third down and five on El Campo's 49-yard line when Foster made a great play. A deep pass went for 40 yards and set up the ball on the El Campo 9- yard line. Three plays later and El Campo trailed 14-7 after a 2- yard touchdown run by Foster's Isaac Kerr.

Foster held the Ricebirds to their third three and out of the night in the next series and threatened another score.

The Falcons drove to El Campo's 27-yard line, but were immediately driven back on a sack by Bobby Jack Polasek. The linebacker's play pushed the Falcons back 15 yards and led to a punt.

With 1:55 left in the first half and the ball on their own 14- yard line, the 'Birds needed a quick drive for a score.

The Ricebirds pushed their way to the Foster 40-yard line, but took a good bit of time off the clock. With 29 seconds before the half, El Campo had a deep passing play for a first down.

Woods heaved the ball toward the sideline and Larry Williams came up with an excellent leaping grab to bring the ball down to the 16 on a 32-yard reception.

Maverick Smith finished the drive on the next play with a counter run and cut outside for the game-tying touchdown.

The teams entered the locker rooms tied up 14-14.

The third quarter was a stalemate and neither team could make another mark on the scoreboard, but the Ricebirds were making a nice drive.

The 'Birds pushed the ball from their own 25-yard line to Foster's 5 before the start of the fourth quarter. Three plays into the fourth quarter and El Campo had the ball in a crucial fourth down on the Falcon 1- yard line.

Woods pitched to Smith, who was hit immediately in the backfield around the 3-yard line. The tailback fought his way forward, but was dragged down a yard short of a score and Foster started another drive.

Seven plays later and the Ricebirds had what seemed like the biggest break in the game. Christopher Raun and Polasek dove on a fumbled lateral to recover the ball on Foster's 30-yard line.

Woods dropped back to pass on the next play and missed Williams while a Falcon came up with the pass.

The interception started a great run by Foster that ended in another touchdown run by Kerr to give the Falcons a 21-14 lead with 1:10 left to play.

The Ricebirds started their last drive of the game on their own 20 and gave a great effort to move down field quickly.

Woods' first three passes were broken up by Foster defenders. On fourth down, he found Smith for a first down. The Ricebirds moved up to their own 42-yard line and had 19 seconds left for a miraculous play.

A couple of quick passes later and El Campo had the ball on Foster's 36 with 6 seconds left in the game. Woods dropped back to pass once more and found Williams streaking toward the end zone.

With a great heave, Woods let go of a long toss to the wide-out. Williams made a great move for the ball, but it was a Falcon that came up with the catch.

The interception ended the game and delivered the now 7-1 Ricebirds their first loss.