RISON - A big third quarter offensive explosion, together with some timely defensive plays all along the way, were just the right ingredients Rison needed last Friday night at George Walker Field of Champions, as the Wildcats rallied from behind twice to upset the Barton Bears, 42-33, and keep their momentum surging as the 2023 regular season draws to a close.
Trying to put a disappointing start to their season as far away in the rearview mirror as possible, while continuing their drive to host a first round state playoff match, the Wildcats won their second straight game to move to 2-7 overall and 2-2 in the 6-3A Conference standings. Barton, a heavy favorite entering the game, and with a chance to claim a share of the league crown, saw that opportunity fade away, falling to 5-4 and 22. Rison now leads the overall series with Barton, 9-3. It was Rison's 26th consecutive homecoming victory, as the Wildcats also ended a four-game losing streak on their home turf.
"This was a big win for us, the kids knowing we still have that chance to host a first round playoff game, even after all we've been through," Rison head coach Caleb Carmikle said. "I have no doubt that we wanted to win more than Barton. For the first time this season, at critical moments in the game, we made big plays on both offense and defense. That was so good to see. This was a big win against a good team, a quality opponent, a senior-heavy team (Barton)." Barton head coach Steve Sex-ton commented, "Rison came out with a lot of confidence. They wanted it more than we did. Execution in all phases, especially on defense, just wasn't there. The offensive line was the bright spot, they have improved each week. We just have to make adjustments, get back to work, and fight for our survival." The Bears racked up over 380 yards on offense, mostly through the air.
For Rison senior quarterback Owen Morrison, a fourth generation Wildcat, it was a career game, as he ran for 103 yard...
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