CROWLEY — It's not like they do it on purpose, but the Weatherford Kangaroos have provided heart-stopping drama in each of their five wins this season, with the opportunity to do it again in their regular-season finale next week.
The latest thriller came Friday, scoring with 33 seconds left on the clock to overtake a determined North Crowley squad in a 26-22 District 3-5A win at Panther Stadium.
After leading 12-0 at the half, the Roos saw the lead dissipate through the third period, initiated when a Panthers' lineman broke through to block a Colton Pike punt, then run in the live ball for a 7-yard touchdown.
"We missed some key blocks in the series after the half and went three-and-out," said Weathrford head coach Kenny Wheaton. "Then we got the punt blocked and that kind of recharged North Crowley."
On its next possession, North Crowley took advantage of a short field, going 53 yards on five plays, culminating with a pass from Panthers quarterback Josh Price to receiver TJ Stewart, capping a 2-point try on top of Price's 3-yard touchdown run.
After another NC touchdown in the final period put the Roos down by 22-12 with just over 10 minutes left in the game, Weatherford began its march to vindication.
"North Crowley played very hard in that game," said Wheaton. "It was their Senior Night and they have a lot of pride.
"We knew they weren't going to rollover."
A mistake-free, 15-play drive began at its own 33-yard line, as Weatherford mixed four different runners to carry the load to paydirt. Chewing up nine and five and a half minutes off the clock and successfully converting two fourth-down situations, the Kangaroos scored on a Trooper Reynolds 3-yard jaunt around right end.
Stifled by a holding penalty on its next possession, the Panthers gave up the ball with a 12-yard punt, which put the Roos at their own 36 with time a big factor.
Helped by a 13-yard pass from WHS quarterback Mitchael Rucker to slotback Colton Kamper, and a 17-yard run by Reynolds.
With a first down on North Crowley's 17, Gentry burst up the middle and veered left to open territory, scoring the winning TD.
The drama did not end with the go-ahead score. The Panthers completed enough passes on their last gasp drive to get within seven yards of the goalline with a couple of ticks left on the clock.
Price found NC receiver Roston Tatum on the left sideline to set up the Panthers with a first and goal.
On the last play of the game, Weatherford linebacker Gabe Garner burst through the line and dragged Price to the ground before he could get rid of the ball to an open Panthers' receiver in the end zone.
The win puts the Roos at 5-4 on the year, with a 3-2 record in District 3-5A.
With a win over the Burleson Elks next Friday at Roos Stadium, Weatherford can clinch a playoff spot.
Burleson has a 2-3 district mark by virtue of its win over Paschal Friday.
North Crowley falls to 1-4 with the lass.
With Abilene locked into first place, the rest of the field is bunched together. Weatherford can simplify its fate with a win over the Elks.
If the Roos fall to Burleson, the picture can get muddled if other tumblers fall into place to create a 3-way tie.
The Roos host Burleson on Senior Night Fridy, with kickoff slated for 7:30 p.m.
Weatherford 26 North Crowley 22
WHS 0 12 0 14 — 26
NCHS 0 0 15 7 — 22
Scoring Summary
Second quarter:
W - Jaren Gentry 2 run (pass failed) 9:08
W - Gentry 4 run (run failed) 0:38
Third quarter:
NC - Alfredo Marcano 7 blocked punt return (David Henly kick) 9:53
NC - TJ Stewart 8 run (Levy Scott pass from Josh Price) 2:31
Fourth quarter:
NC - Price 3 run (Henly kick) 10:06
W - Trooper Reynolds 3 run (Josh Blanton kick) 4:21
W - Gentry 17 run (Blanton kick) 0:33
Team Stats WHS NCHS
First downs : 23 14
Rushes-yards 67-359 20-44
Passing yards 21 215
Passes
(comp-att-int) 2-6-0 15-27-0
Punts -avg 1-20 6-30
Fumbles -lost 4-0 2-0
Penalties -yards 3-25 3-25
Individual Leaders:
Rushing:
WHS - Jaren Gentry 32-170; NCHS - TJ Stewart 4-24.
Passing:
WHS - Mitchael Rucker 2-6-0-21; NCHS - Josh Price 15-27-0-215.
Receiving:
WHS - Colton Kamper 1-13; NCHS - Roston Tatum 5-129.
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KAY BIGGS/DEMOCRAT PHOTO
Kangaroos win late ... again!
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