Cats snatch victory from jaws of defeat

Eric Tabor
Monday May 5, 2008

The South Georgia Wildcats got their forth win of the season thanks to a Scott Cloman catch with no time left to play. It was also a stout defensive performance as they held the Austin Wranglers to 21 second half points.

South Georgia dug themselves into an early hole falling behind 21-7.

However, the Wildcats used the second quarter to get back in the game, scoring 28 points with their last score coming with two seconds remaining in the first half. Quarterback Andrico Hines found three different receivers in the endzone, wide receivers Antwone Savage, P.J. Berry, as well as tightend Andre Slappey all recording touchdowns.

To start the second stanza P. J. Berry ran the opening kickoff to the Wranglers one- yard line but collided with an Austin defender and fumbled. The Wildcats defense held as they forced a fumble and South Georgia capitalized with a fieldgoal.

South Georgia began to pull away, after a 26 yard touchdown pass from Hines to Savage. Austin QB Andy Hall quickly found John Roberson on a deep pass for the Wranglers first touchdown of the second half. As Austin narrowed the Wildcat lead to three points, South Georgia kickoff returner P.J. Berry took the ensuing kickoff the distance to go back on top by 10.

Needing to gain back a possession, Wranglers Head Coach Ben Bennett gambled and called an on-side kick, which kicker Keita Iizuka executed perfectly and defensive back Ricky Williams recovered.  Austin would go on to score, taking a 56-52 lead.

Austin’s hopes were crushed when South Georgia quarterback Andrico Hines found wide receiver Scott Cloman as the clock struck zeros, to go ahead by two points, closing out their fourth victory this season. 

Bottom line: Cats win 58-56.