Phil Campbell football ends in first round of playoffs

The Phil Campbell Bobcats put up a valiant effort early on against the second–ranked team in Class 3A, Walter Welborn, before succumbing in the second half, losing 63-20.

The Bobcats were clear underdogs going into the game – but they didn’t act like it.

After a nearly scoreless first quarter, Walter Welborn scored with 3:16 to go, taking a 6-0 lead.

Phil Campbell responded almost immediately when Luke Barnwell connected with Blain Goodson for a 41-yard touchdown pass. Ridge Raper’s point after gave the Bobcats a 7-6 lead with 1:17 to go in the first quarter.

Walter Welborn reclaimed the lead early in the second quarter on a short touchdown run to make it 12-7.

Once again, the Bobcats responded. This time Barnwell ran the ball in from nine yards out. Raper’s PAT gave Phil Campbell a 14-12 lead with 6:50 to go in the second quarter.

The Panthers punched back just before halftime to take a 20-14 lead into the locker room.

Walter Welborn extended the lead to 28-14 early in the second half, but Phil Campbell scored on a 12-yard pass from Barnwell to Bryant Hyde with 4:20 to go in the third quarter to close the gap to 28-20.

Then things began to fall apart for the Bobcats. Four turnovers led to scores for Walter Welborn. The Panthers scored five unanswered touchdowns, leading to the blowout win and eliminating Phil Campbell from the playoffs.

Barnwell had one of his best nights of the year passing. The senior quarterback completed 15 of 18 passes for 161 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He also ran for 76 yards and a touchdown.