Wolves lose in double overtime 42-40 to Rison

MAGNOLIA – It’s going to be hard for the title game of the 2019 season to top the opening game between Prescott and Rison.

The Wolves and Wildcats met in the Southern Aransas University Kickoff Classic Tuesday night and it took a historic double overtime before the ‘Cats pulled off a 42-40 win.

Prescott scored on its first four possessions, all in the first half, starting with a 35-yard scoring run by Jacalyn Zachery. The point after made it 7-0.

Rison responded, driving 53 yards in eight plays, scoring on a 13-yard run. At no time during the game did the ‘Cats attempt to kick an extra point, going for two-point conversions instead. The first one was good, giving Rison an 8-7 lead.

Prescott started at its 27, went nowhere on its first two plays but Jacobi Nolen found a wide open Zachery for a 75-yard touchdown. Zachery was so wide open he almost had time for coffee and doughnuts. the PAT put the Wolves up 14-7 with 3:02 left in the opening frame.

Rison recovered the ensuing onside kick attempt at its 46 and scored in five plays. The touchdown came on a 17-yard run. The try for two was stopped, but the game was tied, 14-14. This was the last time the ‘Cats would score in the half.

Prescott started at its 34 after the kick and drove to the 46 as the quarter came to an end. Nolen hit Zachery for a gain of eight before Alex George broke and rambled to the 14. Nolen found a gap and scored on the next play. Te PAT made it 21-14 with 11:40 left in the half.

The ‘Cats started at the Rison 33 and made it to the Prescott 16 before turning the ball over on downs.

It took the Wolves seven plays to score again. A holding call cost Prescott a touchdown, but Derriun Thompson got it back on a three-yard run. The PAT made it 28-14 and it looked like the rout was on.

However, Rison had other plans and used the ground and pound offense to keep Prescott’s defense on the field and worn out.

Prescott got the ball to start the third, taking control at the Wolf 29. Nine plays later, the Wolves turned the ball over on downs, coming up just short on a fourth and10 play.

Rison took over at its 26 and drove 74 yards in eight plays, scoring on a two-yard run. The try for two was no good, leaving Prescott with a 28-20 lead with 4:41 to go.

Prescott set up shop at its 39 and for the first time in the game went three and out, punting to the Rison 24 with 2:13 showing.

The ‘Cats drove to the Prescott 42 as the third came to an end, and scored on a nine-yard run seven plays later. This time the conversion was successful and the game was tied 28-28.

Neither team could score for the remainder of the game, though the Wolves were driving as time expired.

This led to history being made with the first overtime game to start a season. Prescott was on offense to start and scored on a five-yard run by George. The PAT hit the left upright, leaving the Wolves with a tenuous six point lead at 34-28.

Rison scored on its overtime possession and was stuffed on the two-point conversion, leaving the score knotted at 34-34.

The Wildcats got the ball for the second overtime period and scored in three plays. This time the conversion was good, giving the ‘Cats a 42-34 lead.

Nolen scored on Prescott’s first play of the second OT, but George was stopped short on the try for two, giving Rison a 42-40 win.

The Wolves will be on the road next Friday, Sept. 6, as the team heads to Mena for a date with the Bearcats. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.