Football Defeats Jeff 33-23 to Clinch 1st Playoff Spot Since 2016

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Daniel Lopez, Sports writer

The Bowie Bears scored the last 15 points vs. the Jefferson Silver Foxes to take a 33-23 victory and clinch their first playoff berth since 2016.

“I felt great because we were playing our rivals and it was for a playoff spot,” linebacker Dominic Garduza said.

The defense stepped up in the third quarter when running back William Carrasco intercepted the Jefferson quarterback, setting up the turning point as quarterback Justin DIaz connected with wide receiver Carlos Varela for a 15-yard touchdown. Instead of going for the field goal, Bowie went for the two point conversion to make the score 26-23.

Late in the 4th quarter, running back Andrew Gallardo scored the last touchdown of the game to make the final score 33-23.

“Well it was an intense game but my amazing teammates came up with the win,” cornerback Nathan Hernandez said.

In the first quarter the Bears scored on their first possession as Gallardo ran in the endzone to give Bowie the lead and make the score 6-0.

Jefferson then responded by scoring two touchdowns in a row to take the lead and make the score 14-6. Bowie then scored two touchdowns but failed on both extra points to make the score 18-14. Late in the second quarter, the Silver Foxes respond with a field goal to trail Bowie 18-17 at halftime.

“Going to playoffs feels pretty amazing. Things like these don’t happen very often at Bowie. We’re making history for our school,” linebacker Josue Reyes said.

The win on Friday gave them back-to-back wins vs. Jefferson. The Bears will now be facing the Parkland Matadors Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. on the road in the first round of the playoffs.