Bruce played even football with number one seed West Bolivar last Friday night in Rosedale for three quarters. Unfortunately for the Trojans, there was a fourth quarter in the game. The Eagles from Rosedale ended the Trojans’ season with a 36-6 win, but the final score did not indicate the competitive nature of the game.
The Trojan defense was filling all gaps and tackling well early forcing West Bolivar to three straight three-and-out possessions to open the game. Bruce’s offense on the other hand was finding success on the ground with power running by LeMarcus Echoles.
The Trojans appeared ready to grab a firm clutch on momentum when Anthony Armstrong blocked an Eagle punt late in the first quarter and the Trojans took over at the West Bolivar 35 yard line.
Bruce drove into the red zone, but the offense stalled and turned it over on downs.
The Trojan defense forced a West Bolivar fumble on the ensuing possession and took over at midfield. Bruce again drove deep into Eagle territory but failed to net any points when Echoles was hit and fumbled at the Eagle 13 yard line.
The game remained scoreless until the final minute of the first half when the Eagles’ speed finally got beyond the Trojan line and outran the secondary for a pair of 20-yard runs, the second going for a touchdown.
Trailing 6-0, the Trojans opened the third quarter with a 63 yard touchdown march, scoring on a run by Echoles. QB Cade Spratlin attempted to rush around the end to convert the 2-point try, but came up short to keep West Bolivar in front 7-6 with six minutes left to play in the third quarter.
Forty seconds later, West Bolivar connected on a 54 yard touchdown pass and stretched their lead to 15-6 after a successful 2-point conversion.
That score held until midway through the final period when the flood gates would open.
The Eagles would score three touchdowns in the final three minutes to pull away for the win.
The Trojans finished the season with a 4-8 record.