The Kirbyville Wildcats, after a heartbreaking 7-0 loss to Woodville in its first district game and a lopsided win over Tarkington last week, were looking to position themselves for a potential playoff spot against the Hardin Hornets.
Hardin was 0-3 going into Friday’s game, having given up at least 47 points in each of the losses, but the Hornets were up to the challenge against Kirbyville. Hardin sent the Wildcats home on the short end of a 22-8 score.
The opening quarter was all defense as both teams bent, but never broke. The teams were tied as they entered the second quarter.
The Hornets drove 66 yards, scoring on a 7-yard pass to the quarterback on a throwback.
The Hornets missed the two-point conversion and led 6-0 with 4:05 remaining before halftime.
An interception set the Hornets up at the Wildcats 42 yard line and Hardin only needed two plays to extend their lead connecting on a 32-yard touchdown pass.
The two-point conversion made the score 14-0, which is what the score was when the half ended.
The second half was not kind to the Wildcats. Three consecutive possessions ended with fumbles recovered by Hardin.
Twice when the Wildcats were inside the Hornets’ 10 yard line.
Neither team scored in the third quarter, but the Hornets put together a drive that went 52 yards ending with a 4-yard touchdown pass.
Another two-point conversion had the Hornets leading 22-0. After the third fumble, the Wildcats defense held Hardin and forced a punt.
Chase Young fielded the punt at the Hornets 34, and returned it for a touchdown.
The Wildcats got the two-point conversion and made the score 22-8 with just over a minute left in the game.
Kirbyville will have to recover quickly as they have three remaining games, and all three are against teams that are ahead of them in the district standings.
East Chambers, who is undefeated at 3-0 and leading District 10-3A Division II comes to Kirbyville this week.
A trip to Anahuac and the rivalry game against Buna at home will determine if the Wildcats can play on in November.
