Let’s be totally honest and say the best team (at least on Thursday night) won the game. First the official’s missed calls on both sides but overall they let the kids play. There was holding by Lindale over and over on the edge but was not called. But I’m fine with it if you’re gonna let them play.
- The fumble by EC followed the play Davis reached the ball to the goal line and the nose of the ball was crossed the plane of the goal line. Should have been a touch down. (Is what it is, pretty tough call on an official at game speed)
- Lindale receiver fumbled the ball after a reception along Lindale sideline when he was hit by EC defender. Ball was recovered by DK Ward. EC was not awarded the ball but replay clearly showed the ball was out.
- Lindale QB fumbled the ball after a good run and EC recovered. Official’s ruled he was down but replay looked like the ball was loose before he made contact with the ground.
- I disagree that the official made a bad call on the TD pass to end the first half. It was an exceptional play by both receiver and Defender. Anderson from EC made a great play on the ball and high pointed it Lindale’s receiver made a great play to try and take the ball from the defender. In this situation if the ball is maintained through the ground by both players the tie goes to the offensive team. The ball came out when the hit the ground. No catch. (If the maintained possession for a split instance through the ground enough to make it a catch, pretty tough to call at game speed)
- was it pass interference against Owen’s on his second pass reception attempt? Most definitely and was not even a close call. It was so obvious the referee had to throw the laundry as the corner back was on an island and did not turn to defend the ball. We’re some close PI calls not made? Probably but the refs let them play and only called the egregious penalty’s that couldn’t be missed.
- Owens had a long TD called back that would have put EC up by 3 TD’s to the phantom spot he stepped out of bounds. Replay clearly showed he stayed in bounds. (EC went on to score anyway so it actually helped kill clock)
Did both teams make mistakes, yes. Did both teams and play a hell of a game, yes. Did EC throw the ball? No, why would any team when your averaging 10 yards a carry with a team that was stacking the line. Can EC throw the ball, yes. All 3 attempts where very well executed pass plays. If they needed to throw I fully believe they would have and done well enough. Does EC have anyone that can catch the ball besides Owens, yes. They have at least 5 or 6 receivers / tight ends that have very good hands and have shown to be dependable in the passing game.
Let’s just get past the officiating as at the end of the day it was a non factor. The difference in the game was EC DID shut down Lindale in the second half collecting 3 interceptions while allowing only one touchdown on an amazing play by Lindale’s QB on fourth down in the grasp of two EC defenders lofting a TD pass to the back of the End-zone. EC never punted the ball the entire game.
Oh, where would EC be without Owens? First of all he’s a dynamic player that is a generational type player. I’m glad he is on our side. But #3 Davis ain’t to bad either. #17 Norman that only got one carry is the real deal too. There are a few others behind those 3. Trust me. They would be all right…..
Onto the next round, and if EC and Kilgore do not stumble in round 3, it will be a great matchup. Can Kilgore beat EC? Of course they can. Can EC come out on top? No doubt they can. I’m just going to enjoy the ride and root on the Ricebirds and hope the can make this season more special than it has already been.
#TTBL !! ( Turn Those Birds Loose)
