Last minute field goal by Northwestern State leads to HBU loss

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (October 28, 2017) The Northwestern State Demons kicked a 36-yard field goal with three seconds remaining game to down the Houston Baptist University Huskies by the score of 10-7 at Husky Stadium in Houston on Saturday, October 28, 2017. After 55 minutes of scoreless football, both the Houston Baptist University Huskies and Northwestern State Demons scored in the final five minutes of regulation. The Demons took the final kickoff of the game; moving the ball 29 yards in five plays to boot the field goal and pick up their first Southland Conference win of the season.

The first three possessions by the Huskies ended with fumbles, but HBU found that fate swung back in their favor when the recovered a Demon fumble at the 10:28 mark in the second quarter. They began their fourth drive of the game on their own 40-yard-line. Being unable to secure the first down, the Huskies were forced to punt and give the ball back to Northwestern State. The Demons were also unable to capitalize on the possession when safety Nicholas Smith found himself in position to intercept a Clay Holgerson pass; returning it to the the Demon 31-yard-line. After three plays, the Huskies attempted a 50-yard field goal; which was low. Northwestern State took possession of the ball. They ended the drive with their own field goal attempt; which was wide left. With 1:11 remaining in the half, HBU took possession to close out the first half.

The second half was pretty much a continuation of the first half; minimal offense and mistakes on both sides. Nonetheless, both squads  tried very hard to find any weakness in their opponent's defense to get the ball over the goal line or between the uprights. The Demons finally would the opening with 4:55 remaining in the game when Chris Jones rushed up the middle for 23 yards and the touchdown for the score. Eric Piccione added the kicking conversion to give the Demons a late 7-0 lead.

HBU took the kickoff and began their drive on their own 29-yard line; driving 71 yards in 13 plays to tie the score; on a two-yard pass from Bailey Zappe to Terrance Peters with 1:05 to play. NSU took the kickoff and moved the ball down the field to kick the field goal for the win.