There’s no quit in these Houston Tigers.
Trailing St. James by 22 points with 10 minutes, 33 seconds remaining in Friday’s home opener, HHS feverishly rallied for an improbable 36-35 victory.
The Tigers (2-0) pulled within a point on Chance Hunter’s three-yard score with 28.4 seconds remaining in the game and after a timeout, lined up to go for the two-point conversion. HHS again called the number of Hunter, who danced into the end zone to give Houston its first lead of the night.
Ethan Kelley secured the come-from-behind victory with an interception on St. James’ next play.
Houston’s comeback began with Matt Knarr’s two-yard score at the 8:04 mark of the fourth quarter. Ethan Kelley ran in the conversion run to make it 35-21.
After a defensive stop, Knarr returned the ensuing punt 21 yards and Steven Logan took a jet sweep 29 yards to the St. James 13-yard line. Hunter darted into the end zone on the next play and Lucas Kelley kicked the PAT to make it 35-28 with 5:17 remaining.
The Tigers got the ball back when their defense stuffed Brett Karnes’ quarterback sneak on fourth-and-1 with 3:16 left.
Houston moved the ball to the St. James 39 before stalling. Facing fourth-and-10, Nathan Poynter connected with Knarr on a 25-yard fade to give Houston a first down on the 12. Three plays later, Hunter scored his fourth rushing touchdown and ran in the conversion to complete the comeback.
HHS won consecutive games for the first time since 2012 and is 2-0 to start the season for the first time in seven seasons.
Houston 36, St. James 35
Hollister 22, Cabool 13
Marionville 46, Willow Springs 7
Reeds Spring 27, Salem 21 (OT)
Mountain Grove 15, Cassville 6
Ava. 45, Eldorado Springs 16
Liberty 49, Springfield Catholic 12
Thayer 44, Strafford 16