The Orange Leader

BRIDGE CITY — “How ‘bout them Cardinals.”

Those were the words Bridge City coach Dwayne Dubois echoed to the Cardinals after Friday night’s District 10-4A Division I showdown with the Silsbee Tigers.

In a game that will go down as one of the best victories in the history of Bridge City, quarterback Byron Trahan connected with Hunter Denton on a 37-yard touchdown strike with 0:35 remaining and the Cardinals saw a 35-yard field goal go astray by Silsbee kicker Brady Carter as time expired as Bridge City muscled their way to a 42-41 victory to gain sole possession of first-place in 10-4A at Larry Ward Stadium.

Trailing 41-35 and taking over at their own 26 with 2:03 left the Cardinals powered their way to the Tiger 37 thanks to a pair of Denton 10-yard runs.

On first-and-10 from the 37, Trahan rolled slightly to the right and threw a perfect pass to Denton along the right side just before the end zone. Denton, who was covered well, made an outstanding catch for the score. Kicker Alferedo Heraldez then put the Cardinals ahead.

Silsbee moved the ball from its own 39 all the way down to the Cardinal 18 thanks to big efforts from All-State running back Calvin Tyler and quarterback Willie Jones.

With 0:02 remaining, Carter attempted the possible game-winning field goal but it went wide left and the Cardinals (5-2, 3-0) erupted in celebration.

How fitting was it that the Cardinals outgained by one yard. Bridge City rolled up 504 total yards while the Tigers had 503.

“Phew, what a game,” said Dubois. “Our kids, what more can you say, battled and battled and battled against a darn good football team tonight. We’re a good ballclub too. What a tremendous win, we, as a staff, couldn’t be prouder of our kids.”

The Cardinals will be back at home for Senior Night next week when they host the Navasota Rattlers while Silsbee will take on Huffman Hargrave.

ORANGEFIELD 27, HAMSHIRE-FANNETT 16

ORANGEFIELD — The Orangefield Bobcats beat the Hamshire-Fannett Longhorns 27-16 in a tough run-heavy game Friday night in District 12-4A Divison II action.

The Bobcats (4-4, 1-1) utilized a strong performance by their offensive line to take down the Longhorns (1-8, 0-3), who battled hard.

The win puts the Bobcats in excellent position to get one of the four-playoff spots out of the five-team 12-4A.

Tailback Wesley Frillou lead the Bobcats in rushing yards with 177 while fullback Christopher McGee was the next highest rusher at 100 yards even.

The Bobcats piled up 358 total yards, all of it via their dominating running game.

Meanwhile, the Bobcat defense rose up, limiting the Longhorns to just 176 total yards, 141 of it on the ground.

The Orangefield defense came up big with an interception and two fumble recoveries to ensure the victory over the Longhorns.

Bobcat kicker Jacob Rainey was perfect with two field goals from 34 yards out and 22 yards out, and four PATs to make sure the Bobcats stayed ahead.

Orangefield returns to the field at Hardin-Jefferson next Friday.

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Also Friday: Hull-Daisetta 46, Sabine Pass 12.