Dropped passes in the end zone. Costly penalties. A clutch field goal. It all added up to a stinging home defeat to a gritty Wade Hampton team for the Bluffton Bobcats on Friday night.
When others could not, Wade Hampton kicker Cameron Clackum made his moment count, knocking through a 34-yard field goal in overtime to seal a wild 17-14 victory over the Bobcats and keep the Red Devils undefeated.
The miscues began from the jump for the home team, as a fumble on the first series was scooped up by the Red Devils. Bluffton continued its strong defensive heroics from last week, stuffing electric quarterback Jamian Risher to help force a punt. But the visitors found their groove in the second quarter and put together a methodical, nine-play drive capped off by a eye-popping 37-yard touchdown run from running back Andrew Robinson to open the scoring.
The Bobcats pounced right back, as quarterback Max Vonhohenstraeten hooked up with three different receivers before a brilliant play call led to a 17-yard Jaylin Linder reverse to the end zone to knot the contest at 7. It looked like Bluffton’s defense would get off the field on the ensuing drive after forcing a fourth down. But an offside call moved the chains, and Risher pounced on the opportunity, gashing the Bobcats for a 50-yard touchdown run. Bluffton had a chance to level the contest once again right before halftime, but a deep Vonhohenstraeten dime went right through Linder’s hands to keep the Red Devils in front at the break.
The struggles continued for Vonhohenstraeten and the offense in the second half, as wild throws, bad drops, and untimely penalties continued to halt the Bobcats’ progress down the field. But a clutch throw to Kenton Frazier on fourth-and-11 kept hopes alive late in the game. The senior wideout did it again on the next play, catching a pass in the flat and racing to the goal line for a game-tying 30-yard score.
Despite all of the chances that got away, the momentum was clearly with the home team as the clock ticked down. The defense came up clutch on Wade Hampton’s ensuing drive, as DJ Aiken and company stymied Risher and a dangerous Red Devil run game. It was all set up for a glorious, game-winning march for Vonhohenstraeten and the ‘Cats. But the miscues just kept coming. And so did the penalties.
And then things just got weird.
Right before the Bobcats were to punt the football back on fourth down, a fan stormed the field in a Spider-Man costume, pumping up the student section but also costing his team a penalty. On the next play, a bad snap forced a hurried kick that looked to give Wade Hampton excellent field position with under a minute left. But the ball grazed off the hands of a Red Devil and into the arms of the Bobcats with an opportunity to win it starting from midfield. Unfortunately, it was much ado about nothing, as another string of poor execution pushed the crazy contest into overtime.
The Bobcats just needed to reset, play their brand of football, and trust their starting quarterback. But on fourth down from the 4-yard-line, a team in desperation for late-game magic instead found heartbreak. Another dropped pass, this time in the corner of the end zone, seemingly sealed the Bobcats’ fate.
The Red Devils nearly handed it right back on a holding call on their overtime possession, and a Bluffton defense that played with heart all night stuffed Risher and company three more times. But they couldn’t stop a determined kicker ready for his moment. With the game in the balance, Clackum made it look easy, nailing a 34-yard field goal with plenty to spare to give the Red Devils a massive road win.
It was a frustrating game from start to finish for Vonhohenstraeten, who completed just 13 of 34 attempts for 179 yards with a touchdown and an interception, though his receivers didn’t do him any favors. Robert Brown and Camauri Simmons led the Bobcat receivers, tallying 49 yards apiece on the night. Roderick Buxton was solid on the ground, carrying the ball 15 times for 52 yards.
Risher was outstanding again for the Red Devils, racking up 129 yards and a touchdown to lead his 2A squad to an impressive road win.
The Bobcats (1-3) will now look to reset and prepare for their region opener on Oct. 1 at Colleton County.
By Wes Kerr / Photo by Justin Jarrett
