Draft beats ’Cats in 2 OTs

STUARTS DRAFT — Stuarts Draft kept its season alive in the Southern Valley District by picking up a crucial victory against Fort Defiance last week — and then did it again.

The Cougars mounted another win in a thriller against Rockbridge County in double overtime Friday night winning 33-32. The win solidified Draft’s spot in second place in the district.

It was especially exciting for Cougars’ kicker Jeff Wilson, who experienced as many twists and turns as his squad had during the regular season.

After the first half of the game, the Cougars were behind the Wildcats 20-8. Cougars’ D.J. Hines scampered down the left side for a touchdown to inch the team closer. Wilson jogged to the field to get the extra point, but the ball hit the crossbars. The Cougars’ Travis Shifflett tied the game 20-20 on a 21-yard touchdown. It was the first chance that the team could get the go ahead lead.

Then came Wilson again for his second attempt to put the team ahead. The junior, in bright yellow sneakers, kicked the ball straight and but shifted left and bounced of the crossbars. The Wildcats were just 30-yards from winning the game in the fourth quarter, but Draft’s defense stuffed Rockbridge and went into the first overtime. Draft took the lead, and then it was Wilson’s turn to put the team ahead. He didn’t get the point again and fell to his knees in disbelief.

But he made it count in the second OT.

“I was a little nervous,” Wilson said. “But my teammates started chanting we believe, we believe. I knew this time it would go in.”

The match was not for the emotionally weak. Draft’s fans were wrapped and snuggled in heavy coats and scarves, and rose to applaud Wilson.

“I asked him if he was ready,” said Cougars coach Rod Bowers. “He [Wilson] looked at me and said yes sir I can do it. To be able to come back like that as a kicker is a big thing. I was very happy for him.”

The football field was flooded with well wishers and family members shaking Wilson’s hand.

“We really started coming together as team more,” Bowers. “I told them that if they give God glory they will be rewarded.”