The Bruce Trojans opened a 13-0 lead over North Pontotoc, but ran out of gas in the second half in a 28-20 loss in Ecru.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Trojan offense began to click when QB Wesley Ross connected with Jay Johnson on two big third down passes to get Bruce deep into North Pontotoc territory. Johnson then finished the drive with a 13-yard touchdown drive up the middle. The extra point failed for a 6-0 lead.
The Vikings went three and out on the ensuing possession and the Trojans marched down the field again. The big play came on a pass from Ross to tight end Bailey Nix. Johnson again accounted for the touchdown on a 12-yard run. The successful extra point put Bruce in front 13-0.
That lead held up until early third quarter. Bruce began the second half with a 3-and-out and a shanked punt that gave North Pontotoc great field position. The Vikings wasted little time punching it in scoring on a 10-yard pass from Caleb Nelson to Xavier Cullens.
After another three and out for the Trojans, the Vikings drove to the end zone again, scoring on a 32-yard run by Cullens. The successful extra point put North Pontotoc in front 14-13 with 4:15 remaining in the third quarter.
The lead didn’t last long. Tyrique Armstrong returned the ensuing kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown. The successful extra point by Tyler Donovan gave Bruce a 20-14 lead.
North Pontotoc immediately answered with a touchdown drive. Brooks Shannon caught a swing pass around the left side from Cullens and raced down the sideline untouched for a 21-20 North Pontotoc lead.
The Bruce offense continued to struggle through the fourth quarter. The Vikings would stretch their lead to 28-20 with another short drive following a Trojan punt. Cullens accounted for the touchdown on a 1-yard run.
Bruce had one last possession, but Ross’ desperation fourth down pass was intercepted near midfield, the only turnover of the game for the Trojans. The Vikings were able to run out the clock from there for the victory.
Bruce will host Potts Camp next Friday.
