In a game full of eye-popping stats and countless big-yardage plays Friday night between Bradley Central and host Ooltewah, the outcome swung on three plays over the span of roughly 40 seconds.
Bradley's Bears won the important Region 2-6A matchup 54-28 after amassing 564 total yards and being stopped on offense only one time. But the momentum of the game shifted with the fortunate bounce of the oblong-shaped ball.
With the score tied at 21 and Bradley (4-1, 2-0) driving just before halftime, quarterback Javin Burke was hit from behind. The ball was jarred loose but right to Bears running back Ricky McCleary, who took it 30 yards for a touchdown and a 28-21 lead.
Just one play later, with Ooltewah (1-3, 1-2) on offense, the Bears forced a fumble and recovered. As the halftime buzzer sounded, Burke threw a laser to Kannon Hall from 35 yards out, and just like what had not long before been a tie ballgame was 34-21 going into the locker room.
"I just go out there and try to make plays," Burke said. "I've got so many playmakers and have to give credit to the guys around me. I just wanted to come in here from day one and do my part."
Bradley's offense put up video game-like numbers throughout, with Burke leading the charge. The McCallie transfer went 15-for-23 for 296 yards through the air and added 92 yards on 14 runs.
"He's a special talent," Bradley coach Damon Floyd said. "Our entire offense is really clicking right now. We've got to get better on defense, though, if we want a shot at winning this region, and that begins in two weeks with the huge game against Cleveland."
Much of what Burke did through the air went to junior receiver Hall, who finished with nine catches for 198 yards. With Tray Curry and Saylor Clark getting much of the attention, it was Hall pulling down pass after pass.
"This is a huge win for us tonight," Hall said. "Javin just fit in immediately when he came over here. He gives us a true dual threat, and I just love to go out there and make plays."
The Bears got the game started with a methodical 14-play, 80-yard drive that took more than seven minutes off the clock. It was capped by a 1-yard quarterback sneak from Burke.
For most of the first half, Ooltewah matched Bradley yard for yard. Senior Jaquan Greenhill had a huge night for the Owls, running the ball 24 times for 207 yards and all four of his team's touchdowns.
After the flurrying finish by the Bears at the end of the first half, it was their defense's turn to continue building the momentum. With Ooltewah receiving the second-half kickoff, Bradley's defense made a three-and-out stop of the Owls. Burke connected with Curry on the ensuing possession from 27 yards out, and the Bears' lead was extended to 19.
The Bears gave up only seven points in the second half on their way to victory.
Contact Kevin Llewallyn at sports@timesfreepress.com.