The Cambridge Bears optimistically traveled to the rematch with the Osborne Cardinals on November 10 for their final game of the year. The Bears were defeated in a competitive game. Early in the first quarter, punter Hunter Smith drew a roughing-the-kicker penalty giving the Bears a first down. In an exciting drive, sophomore quarterback Brian Moore ran 10 yards for a first down, followed by another QB keeper to gain 8 yards. Senior Ryan Callahan drove hard into the pack to gain 2 more yards for another first down. Moore connected with Callahan for a 5 yard pass reception but the drive ended with a punt. Bears defense held the score to 0-0 for the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Osborne scored a touchdown, but the Bears defense held them out for the 2 point attempt. The Bears had some individual standout plays in the second quarter, including an interception by Zeke Gormley. With penalty calls figuring in considerably to the game, an offsides call on 4th down gave the Bears a first down enabling an 18 yard gain by quarterback Brian Moore. Later a 15 yard pass from Senior quarterback Kevin Little to Christian Johnston looked solid, but with a fumble and then an interception, the Bears couldn't get on the board before the half. Johnston intercepted a pass but without enough time on the clock, the Bears took a knee to the half time buzzer.
Third quarter was a display of tenacity by cornerback Brian Moore and Andrew Johnston. Indomitable enthusiasm by Junior center, Drew Dixon, and the determination of freshman JD White epitomized the heart of this young Cambridge team. Kevin Little connected with JD White for a 15 yard pass play and, Daion Donaldson had a solid rushing play. Perfect execution of a toss from Kevin Little to halfback JD White who passed 20 yards to freshman receiver Eric Cizek had the crowd's full attention and loud cheers. The substitute JV cheerleaders and the loyal Bears' fans never deserted the team despite being down 14-0. Cambridge looked visibly exhausted and with a turnover and penalty calls it would have been easy to fade out the remainder of the game. But with a lot of heart, they didn't quit. A 20 yard kickoff return by White re-energized the Bears, and Callahan rushed for 8 yards and Moore for 2 yards and a first down.
The final push to avoid a shut out came in the form of an impressive pass reception by sophomore Tate Prezzano who reeled it in the end-zone crowded with Cardinals. Kevin Little hit his mark with a 45 yard pass for the play of the game. The point after kick by Hawk Hammer added to give the Bears 7 points on the scoreboard. A sack by Sam Hait and solid defense held Osborne for the remainder of the game for a final score of 20-7.
Head Coach Craig Bennett, disappointed with the loss, held on to the idea that his team got better over a very challenging season. Next year may bring another challenging Cambridge varsity football season, but it will be met with a more experienced and better prepared, although still young, Bears team.