Hunter Ward caught one in the final minute Friday night, returning an interception 71 yards for a game-winning touchdown with 59 seconds left to lift Salado to a thrilling 20-13 triumph over Academy in a District 25-2A game at Eagle Stadium.
It's a win that, coupled with Lago Vista's victory over Rogers, keeps Salado in the thick of the playoff hunt and throws the district standings into a free for all going into the last two weeks. Salado (3-6, 3-2 in 25-2A) moves into a three-way tie for third with Academy (5-3, 2-2) and Lexington, with Rogers left to play in two weeks. Lago Vista and Rogers share the league lead.
Salado needed 13 unanswered points in the fourth quarter and one fortuitous bounce to get it done.
With the game tied 13-all, and Academy driving for its own potential game-winner inside the Eagles' 35-yard line, Bumblebee quarterback Kyle Kuban's pass for Matt Brenek near the left sideline glanced off Brenek's shoulder pad. The ball bounded upward and into the awaiting arms of Ward, who hustled down the sideline, avoided tacklers and picked up key downfield blocks for the touchdown.
twaits@temple-telegram.com
