The final game of the year offered satisfaction for having reached the region play-in level but left an unsatisfactory feeling in the Bears on the big loss against powerhouse Kell High School.  

Head Coach Craig Bennett expressed pride in his players for having made such a big leap this year.  "Not a lot of teams have built something so good in a mere year and a half."  The coaches say they will use the final game as motivation to build an even better team next year. 

Despite Kell having college bound recruits on their team, Bears talent still shone through.  The Bears started out strong by moving the chains for two first downs from the rushing efforts of Brock Nielson and a couple of 6 yard passes from Brian Moore to Christian Johnston.  Unable to get in scoring range, Hunter Smith punted.  Defender Garrett  Walton came blasting through the Longhorn line for a stupendous tackle on the punt returner to stop him cold.  

Several stellar tackles by Nick Oakes and Zeke Gormley weren't enough to stop the Kell offense and they quickly scored making it 7-0.   JD White made impressive headway on several kick off returns for 35, 40 and 70 yards. Unfortunately the 70 yard gain was called back on a penalty.

With coaches mixing it up a little, White got a first down on a fake punt play but the Bears were unable to get it in the end zone.  A rough second quarter cost the Bears when John Hurst and Garrett Walton left the game due to leg injuries.  Prior to his injury Hurst caught two passes for about 9 yards each and an impressive 18 yard pass from Moore.  Tate Prezzano had a standout game, with some exciting tackles to stop some potentially big Longhorn plays.  But overall the Bears just couldn't contain the Kell offense who led 28-0 at the half.  

Cambridge's only touchdown came on a drive when Moore targeted and hit Hunter Smith for 30 yards and then 10 yards.  Moore ran a 12 yard QB keeper to score the touchdown making it 49-6.  

The coaches gave a lot of credit for the season to the seniors who set a precedent this year for higher level play.  The Varsity seniors played hard despite the score gap knowing it was their last high school game. Senior center Drew Dixon played with his usual commitment and enthusiasm right up to the last snap.  Linesmen Kryshna Tanksley played at the edge, anticipating, and didn't let up, and Malik McNeil was a force as usual and never gave up. Senior Christian Johnston made his final appearance memorable with several more short receptions and great hustle.  Moore connected with Johnston for a 50 yard eye-catching pass play.   The Bears will miss the energy and effectiveness of seniors Ryder Deaton and Zeke Gormley. 

Congratulations, appreciation and well wishes to the Seniors.

Thanks to all Cambridge Crazies and loyal fans who supported the football team this year.   A special thanks to the Marching Band and the Cheerleaders for their awesome performances.  

Tune in again next year for the Cambridge Bears third season. 

All In…All the Time!