NEW HAVEN—Bellmont entered the hostile environment of the Bulldogs on Friday night and nearly stole one against their NHC opponent falling short 27-24.
The Braves entered the fourth quarter down three scores and fading fast but a late push and an on-side kick put Bellmont in striking distance.
The Braves forced a punt on New Haven's first possession of the fourth quarter starting a drive on their own 31-yard line down 27-10. The Braves put together an impressive run including a 14-yard power run by Brad Busse up the middle for the initial first down of the drive setting the tone. A few plays later on fourth and seven, quarterback Jacob Bergman connected with Josh Brune on a 23-yard pass in the middle of the field for a drive-saving first down.
Bergman put the Braves down to the one-yard line on a 15-yard keeper that set up Busse's second touchdown of the day putting Bellmont within ten at 27-17.
On the ensuing kick-off, Bellmont recovered the on-side kick after Chase Ellsworth flubbed a bouncer off of a Bulldog's shoulder pads with 4:35 left in the fourth quarter and time running out.
With the ball on New Haven's 45 and in great field position, the Braves completed a three-minute touchdown drive that ended on an Ellsworth rush up the middle for four yards and a score. The rushing TD was set up once again by a 15-yard Bergman keeper as the QB danced out of bounds on the sidelines after netting the first down.
With 1:12 left in the contest, Bellmont's last hope was another on-side miracle and they nearly got their wish. The Bulldogs once again would bobble the kick return and a scrum ensued but after the officials sorted through Braves and Bulldogs like shuffling a deck of cards, it was New Haven who ended up with the ball causing simultaneous sighs and cheers from the home team faithful.
New Haven would take a knee ending the Braves dramatic comeback hopes and the contest.
Links:
[1] http://www.decaturdailydemocrat.com/sites/default/files/Bergman runs.jpg
