Bears fall 55-21 on Homecoming

Chad Wilson Photo Ryan Epperson outruns a swarm of Westwood defenders to score the Bears' first touchdown this season in Brownsboro. Epperson scored three times in the Bears loss.

After starting the season with a perfect 2-0 record, both wins coming on the road, the Bears looked to continue their hot start last Friday night in Brownsboro.

Following the announcement that cheerleader Brooke Romo was named 2007 Homecoming Queen the Bears took the field for the first time this season at home.

On their opening drive of the game the Bears marched 76 yards on eight plays and two pass interference calls to score the game's first points.

Senior Ryan Epperson scored the first points of the game on a 10 yard run up the middle of the Panther defense. Tyler Smith's kick was good giving the Bears a 7-0 lead with 7:37 left to play in the quarter.

The teams traded possessions before Westwood allowed quarterback Grayln Crawford to run wild.

Crawford gained 14 yards on a quarterback draw the first play from scrimmage before darting 34 yards for the game tieing score on the Panthers fifth play of the drive.

With the game tied at seven the Bears pinned Westwood deep in their own territory with a 37 yard punt by David Rudd.

Starting on their own four yard line the Panthers were shutdown by the Bears defense on four consecutive plays.

Brownsboro needed just one play to score from the Panther four yard line as Epperson rumbled in for the touchdown.

Trailing 14-7 the Panthers took just three plays to draw within one as Crawford scored this time from 35 yards out. Tristian Warren stopped the two-point conversion attempt leaving the score 14-13.

Zack Bailey was intercepted on the second play of the Bears ensuing drive by Cale Brooks. Brooks returned the interception 45 yards for the go ahead score. Crawford converted the two-point conversion to give the Panthers a 21-14 lead.

The Bears never regained the lead. Three plays into their next possession the ball was turned over again, this time on a fumble recovered by Westwood's Cale Brooks.

Westwood capitalized on the turnover scoring on a 15 yard run by Crawford to improve their lead to 27- 14 after the failed two-point conversion attempt.

Crawford connected with Alan Thompson with :18 left in the first half to improve the Panthers lead to 33- 14 heading into the half.

Brownsboro opened the second half much like they did in the first half scoring on their opening possession as Epperson crossed the goal line from four yards out.

With their lead cut to 12 points the Panthers quickly squashed any hopes of a Bears comeback.

Crawford scored from 38 yards out on another draw, increasing the Panthers lead to 41-21 after he converted the two-point conversion.

On the Bears next series the turnover bug bit again and Westwood was quick to recover the fumble. Four plays later the Panthers were back in the endzone celebrating after increasing their lead to 47-21.

Brownsboro totaled three turnovers in the game and all three led to Panther touchdowns.

Overall the Bears totaled 173 yards of offense, 134 in the air and 39 on the ground.

Bailey completed 13 of 27 passes for 134 yards while Epperson rushed for 30 yards on 8 carries and three touchdowns.

Keith Johnson led the Bears in receiving with 6 catches for 81 yards. Bailey completed passes to six different receivers.

Westwood totaled 344 yards of offense, 274 rushing and 70 passing. Crawford rushed for 178 yards on 13 carries scoring 4 touchdowns. He passed for 70 yards on five completions, throwing two touchdowns.

DJ Morrow rushed for 96 yards on 10 attempts, scoring once for the Panthers.

Brownsboro (2-1) will travel to Sabine Friday to play the host Cardinals. Sabine is winless this season losing 56-12 last week against Bullard.

With a record of 2-1 the Bears are tied for second place overall in District play. Chapel Hill is undefeated this season while Canton, Van and Bullard all have one loss. Athens is 1-2 this season.