Jaguar Varsity Football Team Defeats Yorktown in Amazing Comeback

The game started out as Yorktown might have scripted it. A big Patriot crowd in attendance; homecoming court being crowned at halftime; a "Patriotron" in the visitors stands and three first quarter touchdowns leading to a 21-0 Yorktown lead. But from that point the Falls Church Jaguars decided not to follow the script.

The Jaguars scored two touchdowns in the second quarter and the FC defense shutdown the high powered Patriot running game. At halftime the score was 21-14 Yorktown. Little did the fans know that the excitment was just beginning. The Jaguars came out in the third quarter determined to even the score and that they did to make it 21-21. The Patriots responded with an excellent drive and regained the lead 28-21. Having worked so hard to get the game even, the Jaguars came back with another TD, but were unable to convert the extra point and the score still favored Yorktown 28-27.

Shorthly thereafter, the Patriots drove for another touchdown and late in the fourth quarter, the Pats took an eight point lead 35-27. Once again the determined Jaguars drove down the field and found the end zone to narrow the score to 35-33. With only a few minutes left in the game, the Jaguars went for the two point conversion and converted to make the score 35-35. Yorktown took possession and was unable to score leaving the game tied at the end of regulation.

In overtime, Yorktown scored its sixth touchdown of the game and took a 42-35 lead. Under the rules, FC was given one last opportunity to even the score and on the first play from scrimmage a draw play worked to perfection and the score was 42-41 Yorktown.

At that point the Jaguars could have kicked the extra point and tied the game, but with no hesitation the coaching staff directed the offense to go for the win. And win they did by converting the two point conversion on a pass from Joey Collins to Max Hurkamp. Final Score (and the only time the Jags ever led in the game): JAGUARS 43, Yorktown 42.

As a fan of Jaguar football for more than 25 years, this was the most dramatic game this fan can remember. The Jaguar coaches and players never quit and played inspired football to come from behind not one time, not two times, not three times, but four times to achieve this victory. Congratulations to the entire Falls Church High School football program. You made all of us proud to be Jaguar fans.