It was an instant classic. However, the ball didn’t bounce the Cyclones way.
Elizabethton came up short in double OT as Science Hill held on for a 28-21 victory over the Cyclones inside Citizen’s Bank Stadium.
In the back-and-forth battle, Elizabethton struck first as Carter Everett found Conner Johnson for a 29-yard touchdown to give EHS an early 7-0 lead. Science Hill, however, didn’t waste time responding with an eight-yard score from Jaylan Adams to even the game. The game would stay tied at 7-7 at the break.
After the teams traded possessions to open the third quarter, Everett pushed the Cyclones back into the lead with an 11-yard run. The made extra point gave EHS a 14-7 advantage heading into the final stanza.
The Hilltoppers, however, answered quickly again.
Ahmik Watterson broke through the line and raced for the equalizer from 83 yards out as the game was tied at 14-14. The ensuing drive saw Corey Russell pummel his way through the SHHS defensive line and scored to give the Cyclones a score lead.
The lead was short-lived as Science Hill saw Watterson score on a 65-yard run to even things up at 21-21.
EHS drove down the field in the final minutes – including an incredible catch by Russell, but a field goal attempt was blocked as time expired forcing overtime.
A scoreless first OT – including the Cyclones being stopped on fourth down inside the one and a missed Science Hill field goal – set the stage for the ending.
The Hilltoppers found Tate Overbay in the end zone with a 15-yard touchdown pass from Jake Blakenship. However, a EHS turnover on the first play of their possession ended the game.
Russell finished with 150 all-purpose yards including a 53 yards rushing. The sophomore Everett went 13-of-21 passing for 161 yards.
The Cyclones return to action with a trip to Johnson County next Friday night.
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