By Derek Rabalis | Special to Mineral Wells Area News
FORT WORTH – The Mineral Wells Rams stormed back from a 16-point deficit Friday night to stun the Eastern Hills Highlanders, 36-33, in an overtime classic.
Defense set the tone early, as both teams traded stops in a scoreless first quarter. The Rams struck first in the second quarter on a 6-yard touchdown run by Jackson Hicks (#9), with the extra point putting Mineral Wells ahead 7-0. Eastern Hills quickly answered with a long run but missed the PAT, leaving the Rams in front.
With time winding down in the half, quarterback Javon Johnson (#2) connected with Jaidun Fisher (#8) for a 29-yard touchdown as the horn sounded. The Rams carried a 14-6 lead into the locker room.
The momentum shifted in the third quarter as Eastern Hills exploded offensively with two rushing touchdowns and a passing score to surge ahead, 33-17, by the end of the period.
The Rams refused to fold. Early in the fourth, Johnson found Fisher deep again, this time for a 65-yard touchdown. Jaxon Brown (#25) powered in the two-point conversion to trim the gap to 33-25. After another key defensive stand, the Rams marched down the field and Johnson again hit Fisher for a touchdown. Johnson then connected with Jordan Johnson (#23) on the game-tying two-point conversion with under two minutes to play, knotting it at 33-33.
In overtime, the Rams’ defense held firm, stuffing the Highlanders on four downs. Mineral Wells’ drive stalled, but kicker Rueben Velasquez (#20) delivered in the clutch, drilling a 41-yard game-winning field goal to complete the dramatic comeback.
Stat Leaders
- Passing: Johnson – 175 yards, 3 TDs
- Rushing: J. Johnson – 19 carries, 144 yards; Hicks – 12 carries, 30 yards; Fisher – 5 carries, 28 yards; Ramirez – 4 carries, 1 yard
- Receiving: Fisher – 7 catches, 144 yards, 3 TDs; J. Johnson – 1 catch, 16 yards; Ramirez – 2 catches, 15 yards
With the victory, Mineral Wells improves to 2-1 on the season. The Rams will host Quinlan Ford on Thursday, Sept. 18, in their district opener.