Whitesboro
Pilot Point 7 Whitesboro 6
Pilot Point's Zach Koerner tackles Whitesboro's Jake Labhart in Pilot Point's 7-6 win Friday.
YARDSTICK
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Pilot Point
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Whitesboro
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First Downs
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14
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11
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Rushing Yards
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37-184
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32-93
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Passing Yards
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35
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97
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Comp-Att-Int
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5-8-2
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10-14-1
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Fumbles Lost
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1-1
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0-0
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Penalties
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6-65
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10-55
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Cats squeeze by Whitesboro, 7-6
Pilot Point mustered just enough offense to pull out a 7-6 victory over Whitesboro in the District 6-3A opener Friday night.
The Bearcats (3-3, 1-0) came from behind in the third quarter, scoring their only touchdown of the night on a three yard run by Michael Yarnell. Macros Tavera’s extra point kick was the margin of victory for Pilot Point.
Whitesboro (3-3, 0-1) took the early lead in the first quarter on a 47 yard punt return by Jake Labhart. The Bearcats blocked the extra point kick, leaving Whitesboro with a 6-0 lead that stood at the half.
For the second straight game, the Bearcats defense didn’t allow a touchdown. Trinity Christian and Whitesboro scored one touchdown each on punt returns.
“The defense was unbelievable,” Pilot Point coach Blake Feldt said. “We’ve had two shutouts in a row. That doesn’t speak well for our special teams. In the last two games, all we’ve given up is two touchdowns and a safety.
“[Defensive coordinator Casey] Pearce has done a phenomenal job. If it hadn’t been for [the defense], we would have lost.”
Whitesboro managed only 97 yards on the ground. Quarterback Taylor Harris completed 10 of 14 passes for 97 yards and one interception.
Although Pilot Point’s offense generated 219 yards, including 184 yards on the ground, Feldt wasn’t pleased with the unit’s performance.
“Our offense played poorly and made too many mistakes,” Feldt said. “For us to make the playoffs, we’re going to have to play better on the offensive side of the ball. We’ve improved defensively. Now we’ve gone backwards on offense.”
Quarterback Arthur Buckingham led the Bearcats with 83 yards on 17 rushes. He completed five of eight passes for 35 yards and threw two interceptions.
Yarnell set up Pilot Point’s touchdown with an interception at the Whitesboro 42. Buckingham sparked the scoring drive with 25 yards rushing and a 13-yard pass to Ethan Stuckly. Yarnell punched the ball in from the 3 for the tying touchdown.
Whitesboro threatened to score twice more in the fourth quarter but came up empty-handed both times. On a fourth-and-one at the 24, Harris was stopped short on a quarterback keeper. A 42-yard field goal attempt by Ruben Ruiz with three minutes left in the game was blocked.
After blocking Ruiz’ field goal attempt, the Bearcats held the ball for the final three minutes, driving deep into Whitesboro territory to run out the clock.
Pilot Point 0 0 7 0 - 7
Whitesboro 6 0 0 0 - 6
First Quarter
W - Jake Labhart 47 punt return (kick failed)
Third Quarter
PP - Michael Yarnell 3 run (Marcos Tavera kick)
Individual Statistics
Rushing: PP - Arthur Buckingham 17-83. WB - Jake Labhart 18-59
Passing: PP : Buckingham 5-8-2-35. WB - Taylor Harris 10-14-2-97.
Receiving: PP : Ethan Stuckly 2-25. WB - Dane Beste 3-36.
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We need the roster for the 1947 team. If you know it or have any other information about this team please contact Jim McIlroy (940) 686-3357.