BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Cullman Bearcats were back in the 6A State Playoff field for the third consecutive season Friday night and their opening round assignment took them to Birmingham to face the Mustangs of Jackson-Olin. The ‘Cats came up with several big defensive stops throughout the course of the game and scored late in the final frame to force overtime but couldn’t keep pace with the Mustangs after regulation. Cullman’s season came to an end with a 22-14 OT loss in round one.
A 20-yard touchdown run gave Jackson-Olin a 6-0 lead midway through the first quarter and after a successful two-point conversion, the Mustangs led the Bearcats 8-0. Cullman responded with a scoring drive of its own early in the second quarter when quarterback Ryan Skinner hit Jake Dueland for a 20-yard touchdown and cut the lead to 8-7 after the extra point from Nate Zills.
Jackson-Olin moved back in front midway through the second quarter with a 15-yard touchdown pass, but a missed extra point kept the lead at 14-7. Cullman’s defense came up with a big stop just before the end of the period and the ‘Cats went into the locker room trailing 14-7 at the half.
Both defenses dominated the second half. After a scoreless third quarter, and a mostly scoreless fourth quarter, Cullman found the end zone again when Skinner connected with Jamar Kay for a 50-yard touchdown with 1:26 remaining in the fourth. The extra point from Zills tied the game at 14. The Mustangs couldn’t do anything with their ensuing possession and the game went into overtime knotted at 14.
Unfortunately for the Bearcat faithful in attendance, Jackson-Olin was able to score on its first play of the overtime period and moved in front 22-14 after a successful two-point conversion. Cullman wasn’t able to respond on the ensuing possession and the Mustangs edged the Bearcats in overtime 22-14 to advance to the next round.
The loss brings an end to the 2021 season for Cullman. The Bearcats finished with a record of 7-4 and returned to the playoffs for the third consecutive season.
Copyright 2021 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
