Longview falls to No. 1 Ruston, 36-22

Longview pushed No. 1 Ruston deep into the fourth quarter Friday night before the Bearcats pulled away late for a 36-22 victory at Hoss Garrett Stadium.

The Lobos were within one point, 23-22, entering the fourth quarter and had a chance to take the lead after recovering a Ruston fumble with about 10 minutes remaining. Ruston’s defense held, however, and the Bearcats scored twice in the final six minutes to secure the win.

Longview dropped to 2-1 on the season and will return home next week to open district play against North Forney.

The Lobos got on the board early in the third quarter when Jaicaden Davis scored on a 3-yard touchdown run. The extra point was missed, leaving Ruston with a 9-6 lead.

Longview then took its first lead of the night when Trey Hamilton broke loose for a 30-yard touchdown run with 7:30 remaining in the second quarter, putting the Lobos ahead 13-9.

Ruston answered with a touchdown run by running back No. 5, Powell, to regain the lead at 16-13 with 4:25 left in the half.

Longview responded with a seven-play, 42-yard drive that moved into scoring position with just over a minute remaining. Pierce then drilled a 32-yard field goal as time expired, sending the teams to halftime tied 16-16.

Ruston regained the lead in the third quarter on a 26-yard touchdown run by its quarterback, No. 7, making it 23-16 with five minutes remaining in the quarter.

Longview answered when Davis scored his second touchdown of the night on a 3-yard run to open the third-quarter scoring for the Lobos. The extra point was again missed, leaving Ruston ahead 23-22 entering the fourth quarter.

The Lobos had an opportunity to take control early in the fourth after a bad Ruston snap was recovered by Longview's Jazdon Wrighten at the Ruston 37-yard line with 10 minutes remaining.

A 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty backed the Lobos up, and Longview eventually punted.

Ruston then drove into Longview territory and faced fourth-and-3 with about six minutes remaining. A pass to Ruston receiver No. 6 moved the ball to the Longview 9-yard line, and the Bearcats scored on a touchdown run to extend their lead.

Ruston attempted a two-point conversion, but Longview's Jakeilyn Barkins intercepted the pass with 5:13 remaining.

The Lobos' comeback hopes took another hit when Longview muffed the ensuing kickoff, allowing Ruston to recover at its own 29-yard line.

Powell then scored on another touchdown run with 3:37 remaining, giving Ruston a 36-22 lead.

Powell finished with 27 carries for 179 yards (unofficial) and four touchdowns.

Longview took possession at its own 46 following the kickoff but was forced to punt with 2:30 remaining. Ruston also punted, giving the Lobos the ball at their own 13-yard line with 40 seconds left.

Longview's final possession ended with a long pass being intercepted as time expired.

The Lobos return to action next week at home, opening up district play against North Forney.

Tickets Friday’s varsity game are available on the Lobos Football Ticket Information page.

Photo by Ginger Cannon