The Abilene Wylie Bulldogs defeated Canutillo 21-18 ending the Eagles season in the Regional Round of the Texas UIL High School Playoffs Saturday afternoon at Panther Stadium in Fort Stockton.
For most of the 1st half Canutillo held firm control, scoring late in the second quarter to go into half time 12-6. Fumbles, interceptions and miscues on special teams would hurt the Eagles and keep the game close.
Adjustments from both sides would be the key going into the second half. Wylie would score two touchdowns in the second half to secure the lead and victory. Windy conditions made it difficult to throw both teams relied on running and short passes.
Canutillo started with the ball in the second half but started off on the wrong foot, going backwards on the first two plays and having to punt, you could feel the momentum shift towards the bulldogs.
Wylie would go ahead by one point 13-12 and it was tight throughout the 3rd quarter. Going into the fourth it would be a fight to the finish. Canutillo would answer but give the Bulldogs two points on a failed conversion. 18-15 with 8 minutes left, time was a huge factor.
Wylie would find the answer on the ground and would go up 21-18, Canutillo had two chances to respond but failed on a 4th and 2 and a 4th and 8. The Bulldog defense would come up big to hold the lead and secure the victory.
Story by Christian Molinar