EVANSVILLE -- When the fourth quarter rolled around in Friday’s non-conference game between Evansville and Brodhead/Juda, two things filled the air: drama and intensity.
The final quarter began with the Cardinals down 21-19 looking to grab the lead for the first time in the game.
At this point both teams had their fair share of ups and downs and were looking to string together a series of defensive stops, and at least one more offensive drive that resulted in more points on the scoreboard.
The Cardinals' offense started the game with two quality drives that were ultimately derailed by errors. On their first drive, a muffed handoff resulted in a fumble that would be recovered by the Blue Devils. Their ensuing drive after forcing a 3-and-out on defense had a potential touchdown pass go waning when quarterback Gabe Bockhop fired the ball deep downfield to wide receiver Erik Woodward on second-and-7.
A successful fake punt on fourth-and-7 allowed the Cardinals to move the chains where they would once again find themselves with an opportunity for the game's first points. On third-and-7 nearing red zone territory, Bockhop sent a pass to an open man that ended up going just past the target's out-stretched hands.
The Blue Devils got on the scoreboard first and would score two more touchdowns in the second quarter.
Their first touchdown was set up by kick returner and do-it-all special teamer Cordell Harris. Harris fielded a punt after the ball bounced near the 40-yard line and returned it inside the Cardinals' 20. The bounce allowed Harris to charge up a running start.
“I was looking for the ball, and if it was rolling I wasn’t going to get it. If it bounced to me, I was going to take it," Harris said. "And then when I look I see a hole and that's my chance. I don’t get too dancey, I just find a lane to go to.”
Running back Harker Larsen eventually punched in a 1-yard run to get Evansville on the scoreboard. Their second touchdown came when quarterback Matthew Wickersham targeted his brother Andrew Wickersham with a downfield pass that bobbled off a Cardinals defender and into his arms for a 38-yard score.
The Cardinals managed to get two second-quarter touchdowns. Big-time throws by Bockhop and physical running from Grayson Arn kept the Cardinals' offense moving.
But Bockhop struggled with overthrowing receivers resulting in promising drives fizzling out.
When the first half was all said and done the score was 21-13 in favor of the Blue Devils (2-0).
Midway through the third quarter the score remained unchanged. On a first-and-10 at the 37-yard line, Arn ran for a first down. After a 4-yard loss on second down, Bockhop lobbed up a pass to an open man, setting up the Cardinals for 16-yard touchdown pass from Bockhop to Jayden Brown. Having missed an extra point in the first half, the Cardinals opted for a two-point conversion, which was unsuccessful.
Through the rest of the game the score remained as such 21-19. It appeared the Cardinals (0-2) could take the lead when driving late in the fourth quarter, but good secondary play from the Blue Devils kept the attacking Cardinals at bay.
“There were ups and downs. There’s peaks and valleys in a game and this is a rivalry that goes back a long time,” Evansville football coach Garth Coats said.
The fourth quarter was a battle where both defenses stepped up. Despite the high-pressure moment, Evansville remained calm.
“They’ve got a great quarterback and some receivers that can stretch the field," Coats said. We knew it was going to be a fourth-quarter game and our guys fought until the very end. Some breaks went our way and some didn't. Ultimately, we were able to make the last play”.
Evansville stays at home next week to face East Troy for the start of Rock Valley Conference play.
Brodhead/Juda kicks off Southwest Wisconsin Conference play at home against Richland Center.
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