In a thrilling Northwest Premier Junior Football League 8U playoff showdown, the Tac City Bolts rallied from a 14-point deficit to defeat HEIR 19-14, securing their place in the championship game. The matchup featured a series of electrifying runs, fierce defensive stands, and a last-minute turnover that ultimately sealed the victory for Tac City.
HEIR struck first with an early safety, putting two points on the board and setting a defensive tone for the game. Not long after, HEIR’s Khalil Ladd showcased his speed, breaking free for a 60-yard touchdown run to extend their lead. Although the point-after attempt was no good, HEIR pushed the score to 8-0. Ladd wasn’t finished, scoring again with an impressive 45-yard touchdown run that brought HEIR’s lead to 14-0 after another missed extra point.
Tac City, down by two scores, began to find their rhythm on offense. Quarterback Tyce Jones injected life into Tac City’s attack, taking off on a 40-yard quarterback sneak to put his team on the board. After a successful extra-point kick, Tac City narrowed the gap to 14-7.
Determined to keep the momentum, Tac City pressed forward, with Jones leading another successful drive capped by an 11-yard quarterback sneak that brought Tac City within a point at 14-13. As the game neared its final moments, Jones struck once more, delivering an electrifying 35-yard touchdown run that put Tac City ahead 19-14.
HEIR had one last opportunity to mount a comeback. Taking over from their 43-yard line, they advanced into Tac City territory with the clock winding down. However, a fumble on a crucial play with only 8.7 seconds remaining was recovered by Tac City, sealing the hard-fought win.
With this victory, the Tac City Bolts advance to the championship game next Sunday, carrying forward the momentum from their impressive comeback.
