For a game dominated by old-school, run-first football, Canyon and Tascosa delivered about as dramatic a finish as anyone could ask for Friday night.

Canyon came within a foot of stealing the game in the final minute, but Tascosa stuffed a two-point conversion attempt to escape with a 28-27 victory.

Trailing 28-21, the Eagles marched 75 yards on their final possession. Quarterback Brox Hacker capped the drive by finding Will Kilgore for a 17-yard touchdown with only 46 seconds remaining.

That made it 28-27, and Canyon coach Matt Lovorn didn't hesitate. Instead of kicking the extra point and playing for overtime, the Eagles went for the win.

Running back Austin Turner took the ball and charged into the left side of Tascosa's defense. The Rebels met him at the goal line and stopped him roughly a foot short.

Tascosa then recovered Canyon's onside kick to finally put away a game that was in doubt until the closing seconds.

For the Rebels, the victory was a much-needed response after opening the season with a 38-7 loss to Odessa Permian. Tascosa improved to 1-1, and it did so with the kind of ground-heavy attack that has become the program's calling card.

Quarterback Brayden Lineman led the way with 99 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries. His third 1-yard touchdown run broke a 21-21 tie with 6:01 remaining.

Canyon had plenty to like despite falling to 1-1.

Turner rushed for 93 yards and scored twice, while Hacker and Kilgore provided the game's biggest plays through the air. The duo connected for two touchdowns, including a 49-yarder that tied the game 21-21 just before halftime.

Neither team spent much time pretending it wanted to air the ball out. Canyon and Tascosa combined for only 10 pass attempts, instead leaning on physical rushing attacks and long, clock-eating possessions.

In the end, the difference wasn't a long touchdown or flashy trick play. It was one defensive stand from Tascosa when Canyon needed only three yards — and ultimately came up about 12 inches short.

Both teams now head to Dick Bivins Stadium next week. Canyon faces Caprock on Thursday, while Tascosa takes on Palo Duro on Friday.