ABILENE, TX — The Frenship Tigers kicked off the official start to the 2024 season against the Byron Nelson Bobcats in Abilene for a neutral site matchup at Bulldog Stadium on Friday. Both teams battled each other fiercely throughout the game, and the contest came down to the final play before a winner could be decided. Despite the incredible performance by the Tigers, they fell short in the end, 48-46.
The Tigers jumped out to a red-hot start with 21 points in the first quarter before Byron Nelson came roaring back. The Tigers led at the half, 24-21.
After a quick score to start the game, the Tigers’ defense shut down Byron Nelson to hand the ball back to their offense. Junior quarterback Holden Phillips then connected with Chase Campbell for a 28-yard touchdown to extend Frenship’s lead to 13-0.
The Tigers weren’t done in the first quarter. After another stop, the offense went on the march again. This time, Phillips found future Texas Tech wide receiver Leyton Stone for a 14-yard touchdown. This game seemed to be getting out of hand early as Fresnhip led 21-0, with time winding down in the 1st quarter.
Byron Nelson finally found their footing in the 2nd. Not only did they force a couple of stops against the explosive Tigers’ offense, but the Bobcats also started to find room in the passing game. Big pass after big pass pushed the Bobcats down the field for a couple of quick touchdowns. With time winding down in the first half, the Tigers kicked a field goal to extend their lead back to 10. However, Byron Nelson drove the length of the field in under two minutes to come within three points.
Frenship held a slim lead heading to the locker room, up 24-21.
Here are 1st quarter and early 2nd quarter highlights showing 2 of Frenship's scoring drives.
Each team continued their momentum from the first half and traded touchdowns. Byron Nelson finally wrestled the lead away from the Tigers midway through the 3rd quarter with a long touchdown drive to lead 35-31.
Phillips connected with Noah Ingram during the ensuing drive on a play where Ingram left his man in the dust. He took off down the sideline and looked to score. In an incredible game-changing defensive effort, Byron Nelson caught up to Ingram, punched the ball out, and watched as it sailed through the end zone for a touchback.
Byron Nelson took advantage and scored another touchdown. The Bobcats led in the 4th quarter, 42-31. Despite being down two scores, Frenship never gave up. They scored a quick touchdown to bring the score within five before deciding to roll the dice and go for two. After two defensive offsides calls, the Phillips connected with Stone in the end zone for the successful 2-point try.
Down 42-39 with seven minutes to play, the Tigers defense delivered a stop. After the punt, the Tigers went on a march that included passes to both Campbell and Stone to push Frenship inside the 10-yard line. Landon Hutcheson grabbed the rock and took the football the final six yards to the house. The Tigers took the lead with two minutes remaining in the 4th, 46-42.
A miscommunication on the kickoff saw the Tigers kick a squib instead of a pooch kick. The Bobcast gladly took the football at Frenship's 40-yard line. The Tigers held tough for two downs before Byron Nelson connected with a wide receiver over the middle. He was all alone and beat out the defenders for a 40-yard touchdown. The Bobcats wrestled the lead back with 35 seconds to play.
Luckily for Frenship, Byron Nelson missed the extra point. Down by only two points, the Tigers had 29 seconds to get into field goal range. The raucous atmosphere felt almost electric as everyone in the stadium was on their feet. That feeling is exactly what Texas High School Football is all about. One team desperate for a stop, the other hoping for a chance at glory.
Frenship took advantage of a few penalties as they moved the ball inside Bobcats' territory at the 46-yard line. With time running out, Phillips never managed to find an open receiver to put his team in field goal range.
Watch the final play below:
With seven seconds left on the clock, Phillips hit Stone down the field, and the backyard football began. The Tigers got off several laterals before Byron Nelson ultimately caused a fumble and dove on the loose ball. The Tigers couldn't quite manage to pull it off and fell 48-46.
Head Coach Jay Northcutt was proud of his team after the game. Watch that interview here:
The Tigers proved on Friday night that this team can compete with anyone they line up against. Coach Northcutt said that there is still plenty to work on and clean up, but Frenship is for real. Holden Phillips shouted out several players on the offense and defense for their great performance.
Watch the Tigers' QB1 below:
While the Tigers believed they had every opportunity to win this game tonight, there are several positives to pull out of this loss. First, Phillips proved he can be the guy at Frenship. He delivered several short and deep throws with accuracy, and bought enough time in the pocket for his guys to get open. Second, while the Tigers' defense has plenty to work on, the look turnover hungry and make plays when the team needs it.
The Frenship Tigers (0-1) host their home opener next week when Witchita Falls Memorial (1-0) comes to town. Kickoff for that contest is scheduled for 7 p.m. next Friday, September 6, at People's Bank Stadium.
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