Quarterback Jack Deardorff scored on a 13-yard run in the first overtime, Cate converted on a 2-point conversion and Will Bowlin stopped Lancaster Baptist on a game-tying 2-point conversion attempt after a touchdown, giving the Rams a heart-stopping 48-46 road victory in an 8-man football shootout on Friday night in Lancaster.
Cate built a two-touchdown lead in the fourth quarter after Drew Anastasio’s 28-yard run, his third TD of the game.
But Lancaster Baptist came roaring back, scoring two touchdowns in under a minute to tie the score at 40-40. The Eagles had a chance to take the lead after the second TD, but Cate blocked the extra-point kick, sending the game into an overtime.
“What a ball game,” Cate assistant coach Dave Soto said. “It’s never fun to let go of a big lead but we showed some serious heart battling back in overtime. We faced a very athletic and talented team who pushed us all game long. I’m proud of the way our guys responded and I hope we don’t forget that going forward.”
Cate led 24-20 in the first half. Luke Beckman scored the first touchdown on a 5-yard run, Deardorff followed with runs of 7 and 4 yards and Anastasio had a 2-yard score.
Anastasio found the end zone on an 18-yard scamper in the third quarter.
Coach Soto praised the play of defensive lineman Ethan Cassulo.
The Rams are back on the road Friday at Orcutt Academy.