The Tascosa Rebels had everything they needed to pull off a big District 2-5A Division I victory Friday night. They moved the football, made explosive plays and held a fourth-quarter lead against Abilene High.
Unfortunately, five turnovers proved too costly as the Eagles rallied for a heartbreaking 28-21 victory at Dick Bivins Stadium.
The loss was especially frustrating for Tascosa, which outgained Abilene 412-306 but couldn't capitalize on several golden scoring opportunities.
With the defeat, the Rebels dropped to 5-4 overall and 4-2 in district play. Tascosa has secured a playoff berth, but its hopes of hosting a first-round postseason game are officially gone.
Rebels Come Out Swinging
Abilene wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, marching 75 yards on its opening possession before Symannu Strahan scored from 2 yards out.
But Tascosa answered almost immediately.
Quarterback Brayden Lineman connected with Cameron Vallejo on a 59-yard touchdown strike to tie things up. Lineman later scored on a 2-yard run to give the Rebels a 14-7 advantage.
Tascosa appeared ready to take control in the second quarter when Lineman broke loose for a 38-yard run to the Abilene 1-yard line.
That's where things went sideways.
The Eagles stuffed four consecutive rushing attempts, keeping the Rebels out of the end zone in what became one of the game's biggest turning points.
Abilene eventually tied the contest at 14-14 before halftime.
Fourth-Quarter Mistakes Prove Costly
Tascosa regained momentum late in the third quarter when Lineman found Vallejo for a 21-yard touchdown, putting the Rebels ahead 21-14.
However, an interception early in the fourth quarter gave Abilene another opportunity. Eagles quarterback Tristan Beal capitalized with a 3-yard touchdown run, tying the game with 6:19 remaining.
The Rebels responded with a promising drive, reaching the Abilene 28 before a botched pitch resulted in another devastating turnover.
Abilene made them pay.
With just 41 seconds remaining, Beal connected with Jaxon Harris on a 26-yard touchdown pass for the winning score.
A final desperation pass from Lineman was intercepted by freshman Cash Henry, sealing the Eagles' victory.
Playoff Bound, But Plenty to Fix
Lineman led Tascosa with 89 rushing yards, while Vallejo added 88. The Rebels finished with 290 yards on the ground.
Despite the disappointment, Tascosa is headed to the postseason.
The talent is there. The offensive production is there. Now the Rebels must clean up the mistakes.
