Crestview Hills, Ky. - The University of Pikeville Bears pulled off a comeback for the ages with a 28-24 victory over Thomas More today. Today's win is the 100th win in UPIKE football program history.
How It Went Down:
Thomas More got the ball first and wasted no time scoring. On just the second play from scrimmage, the Saints connected on a 69-yard touchdown pass to go up 7-0 just 24 seconds into the game.
A week after putting up 66 points and well over 600 yards of offense, the Bears defense struggled mightily in this one. After punting on their first three drives, the Bears got into the Saints' territory on back-to-back drives but could not come away with points. The Saints tacked on a field goal before the half and led 10-0 after two quarters. UPIKE was held scoreless in the first half for the first time this season.
UPIKE did not score on their first drive of the second half. Thomas More, on the other hand, scored a touchdown on their opening drive of the third quarter to go up 17-0. Both teams punted back-and-forth to each other, then it got interesting.
On the Bears' final possession of the third quarter, Rashad Brown hauled in a 14-yard touchdown catch to cap off a 10-play, 56-yard drive to make the score 17-7. The Saints responded with a touchdown drive to take a 24-7 lead early in the fourth quarter.
Despite trailing by three scores, the Bears offense went to work. Xavier Malone completed passes of 19 yards and 42 yards on back-to-back plays, then punched it in himself from two yards out. The Bears PAT was no good and UPIKE trailed 24-13 with 12:26 left in the game.
On the ensuing kickoff, the Bears recovered Joseph Sandorf's onside kick at the TMU 35 yard line. Two plays later, the Bears cashed in on some trickery. Rashad Brown hauled in his second touchdown with a diving catch on a tip-drill play in the end zone to cut the Saints lead to five. The Bears were successful on the ensuing two-point conversion attempt and just like that, the Bears made it a three point game. The Bears defense picked up the offense on the Saints next possession by way of turning the Saints away on fourth-and-two from the UPIKE 41.
With 7:43 remaining in the fourth quarter, Xavier Malone and the UPIKE offense took the field in search of a game-winning drive. The Bears had struggled to find their footing in the run game all night but put together some good runs to get into TMU territory. Facing a third-and-one from the TMU 22, quarterback Xavier Malone scored his second touchdown run of the game to give the Bears the lead.
The Bears' defense has come up huge in the past three games, and came up huge again tonight. Coach Chris Elliott's squad forced a huge turnover via a fumble after the Saints hit on a long pass. Timothy Butler knocked the ball loose and Joe Timp jumped on top of it to take away a scoring opportunity.
On TMU's final possession, the Bears defense pinned their ears back and turned the Saints away. With the Saints facing a fourth-and-one from the TMU 47, Timothy Butler came up huge again with a pass break-up to give the ball back to UPIKE. Xavier Malone lined up in victory formation to ice the game and cap off a comeback for the ages.
UPIKE Stat Leaders:
Xavier Malone was 25/42 for 242 yards and one touchdown through the air. On the ground, Malone rushed for 35 yards and two game-changing touchdowns. Derrick Griffith led UPIKE in receiving with four catches for 87 yards. Rashad Brown had four receptions for 76 yards and two touchdown catches.
Coach Chris Elliott's UPIKE defense was led in total tackles by Brett Coleman with nine. Frank Baker recorded three tackles-for-loss, followed by Jacquez Russ with two. Obie Wilson led the defense with three pass break-ups. Timothy Butler had a huge fourth quarter, forcing a fumble and a pass break-up on fourth down.
What This Win Means:
Tonight's win is the third consecutive win this season and the third consecutive win over Thomas More. Today's victory over Thomas More is also the Bears' second come-from-behind road win this season, with the first coming two weeks ago at Cumberlands (Ky.).
The Bears bested their win total from 2021 tonight. Coach Corey Fipps' squad has been building momentum, and with tonight's win the Bears have an opportunity to finish in the top half of the Mid-South Conference.
Tonight was also historic because it was the 100th all-time win for the UPIKE football program. It is a huge milestone for the program as it continues to make strides.
What Lies Ahead:
The Bears' 2022 record moves to 5-3 (4-2 MSC) following the win. UPIKE will honor their senior class next Saturday when the Lindsey Wilson College Blue Raiders roll into Hambley.
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