Our Cambridge Bears took on the Creekview Grizzlies in a regional 7-AAAAA game to determine which team moves on to the GHSA State playoffs. The visiting Grizzlies pulled off a 45-28 win with a strong second half performance while the Bears suffered some crucial injuries at key positions.
The game started with both teams going at each other strong. Early in the third quarter of the game, things were looking good for the Bears. Cambridge scored off a Creekview turnover to take a 21-10 lead, with the Bears' defense holding the Grizzlies in check to that point.
However, the turning point came with Creekview scoring 5 straight touchdowns.
Cambridge scored a touchdown with two minutes left to put an end to a 35-0 Creekview run, with the game considerably more competitive than the final score would indicate.
Costly Cambridge 2nd quarter turnovers played a major factor in the final outcome. Some non-calls by the officiating crew also contributed to the Grizzlies pulling away.
Creekview's offense piled up 313 yards in the second half and scored on consecutive drives of 73, 37, 81, 80 and 34 yards. Creekview quarterback Kyle Wilkie completed a modest total of 11 passes, but five went for touchdowns.
The Bears gained 357 yards, with senior quarterback Brian Moore completing 26 of 46 passes for 275 yards and rushing for 64 yards on 11 attempts.
But Moore, who makes life tough for defensive linemen, was slowed in the second half by an ankle injury that limited his ability to make plays with his feet. The Bears also lost standout receiver Hunter Smith in the 1st half with an injury.
For the Bears, the 2nd half was basically a Brian Moore to receiver John Hurst exhibition. With Smith on the sidelines and Cambridge completely abandoning a running game, the team's second half offense consisted almost entirely of Moore throwing to John Hurst. Hurst finished the game with 15 catches for 166 yards.
Creekview eventually took the lead 24-21, with a fumbled kickoff return sandwiched between two TD passes from Wilkie.
In the Bears attempt to regain the lead, a receiver was tripped and another was knocked down on pass routes. No interference was called on both plays.
Another long Creekview drive made the score 31-21. The Bears tried to counter with a drive that reached the Creekview 8 yard line, but Moore threw an interception into the end zone.
Another long Grizzlies drive went 80 yards to take a 38-21 lead with 7:33 to play. Moore led Cambridge to a late TD on a 9-yard run.
Because Cambridge was forced to throw most of the 2nd half, Cambridge running backs got only 4 carries in the game, 3 on plays from inside the Creekview 10-yard line and just one attempt in the second half.
The Bears went 7-3 in just their third year of varsity football and played for a chance at the state playoffs. It was good season for the Bears.
From the Cambridge family, thanks to the coaches, fans and supporters. We are so proud… The Cambridge program has a lot to look forward to.
Thanks for an outstanding season!
Go Bears!!
(Pictured--2014 Cambridge Bears Seniors)
