Iraan edges McCamey to force three-way tie

IRAAN Fear the spear indeed.

The Iraan Braves snapped a four-year losing streak to rival McCamey, rallying in the fourth quarter for an 18-13 victory at Brave Stadium.

The victory means Iraan (5-5, 3-1), McCamey (6-4, 3-1) and Wink (6-4, 3-1) finished tied atop the District 8-1A standings, ending McCamey’s three-year run of outright titles.

“I told this year’s seniors after we lost last year that we were not going to let them leave high school without beating McCamey,” junior Zach Calvert said. “It is wonderful that we did it.”

And what a way to do it.

The Braves blew a 12-0 halftime lead and looked like they would lose another game late, as McCamey took a 13-12 lead with 11 minutes, 55 seconds remaining in the game.

After forcing a three-and-out, McCamey recovered a muffed punt and had the ball at the Iraan 17-yard line but couldn’t score.

Iraan took over and went on an eight-play drive for the winning points.

“We just told the kids all week to be sure and play 48 minutes,” first-year Iraan head coach John Fellows said. “We had seen it go the other way so many times ...

“It’s great. These kids deserved it. It is a great feeling and a big rivalry. We’ve got the bragging rights on them now.”

In the game-winning drive, quarterback Call Cade completed his only two passes of the night, hitting Calvert for 30 yards and Ector Galindo for 19 more.

Zac Owen then scored from 10 yards out on a pitch to the left side with 4:51 left to play.

“We were a little worried because of our inconsistency in the past,” Calvert said of the final drive. “But our offensive line stepped up and Call made some great passes and the running backs were running hard and we got some great blocks.”

McCamey did have one final chance, but a fourth down play to Brett Smith came up well short and the Braves ran out the clock.

Iraan dominated the first half, outgaining McCamey 229-95 and led 12-0 behind touchdowns from Calvert and David Himel.

But the Badgers made halftime adjustments and dominated most of the second half, scoring on its first two drives and holding the Braves to just six plays before their final game-winning drive.

“We gave up too many big plays,” McCamey head coach Jay McWilliams said. “We came back and moved the ball well, but you have to give them credit.

“Our kids have to regroup and get ready for Seagraves.”

Joseph Gillis scored on a 10-yard run in the third quarter to pull McCamey within 12-7 and then Mark Marquez scored on a 2-yard run early in the fourth quarter to give the Badgers a 13-12 lead.

Calvert’s 104 yards rushing on five carries led the Braves, who had four ball carries go for 49 yards or more. Oscar Gonzales finished with 50 yards on 13 carries.

Smith’s 98 yards on 15 carries led McCamey, while Gillis was 10-for-22 for 108 yards. Wide receiver Eric Mooney had four catches for 44 yards in the loss.

McCamey will play Seagraves in a Class 1A Division I bi-district game at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Andrews. Iraan will face O'Donnell in a Division II bi-district game at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Grande Communications Stadium.