Celina, TX — Anna overcame a 13-point halftime deficit Friday night, surviving a late Celina comeback before defeating the rival Bobcats 35-28 in overtime at Bobcat Stadium.
Juelz Carter led the Coyotes with three rushing touchdowns, including the game-winning 25-yard score on Anna’s first play of overtime. The Coyote defense then delivered a goal-line stand, stopping Celina on fourth down from the two-yard line to secure the victory.
Quarterback Zephyr Kreye accounted for two additional touchdowns as Anna turned a scoreless first half into a five-touchdown comeback, improving to 9-0 and keeping its undefeated season intact.
Celina Takes Advantage of Anna’s First-Half Mistakes
The opening half was largely a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to capitalize on offensive opportunities.
Celina opened the scoring late in the first quarter when Jax Holt connected on a 48-yard field goal, giving the Bobcats a 3-0 advantage.
Anna threatened to respond in the second quarter, advancing deep into Celina territory before a costly turnover changed the momentum. With the Coyotes at the Bobcats’ seven-yard line, Anna lost a fumble that Celina’s Sumner Nickel recovered and returned 93 yards for a touchdown.
Holt’s extra point extended Celina’s lead to 10-0, turning what could have been Anna’s first scoring drive into a double-digit deficit.
The Coyotes continued to struggle offensively, and a late interception by Celina’s Chance Harris gave the Bobcats another scoring opportunity before halftime. Holt converted a 35-yard field goal to send Celina into the locker room leading 13-0.
Despite moving the football into scoring position multiple times, Anna entered halftime scoreless.
Coyotes Erase Deficit in Second Half
Anna responded immediately after halftime, taking the opening possession of the third quarter downfield before Kreye connected with Christian Adams for a seven-yard touchdown. Desmar Marroquin converted the extra point, cutting Celina’s lead to 13-7.
After the Coyote defense forced a punt, Anna put together another scoring drive, capped by Carter’s one-yard rushing touchdown. Marroquin’s extra point gave Anna its first lead of the night at 14-13.
The Coyotes carried that advantage into the fourth quarter, but Celina quickly responded. Landon Westbrook scored on a 30-yard rushing touchdown before quarterback Zane Lacrue connected with Lucas Engle for a successful two-point conversion, putting the Bobcats back ahead 21-14.
Anna’s response came on its very next offensive play.
Carter broke free for a long touchdown run, and Marroquin’s extra point tied the game at 21-21. The score marked Carter’s second rushing touchdown of the night and immediately erased Celina’s renewed advantage.
The Coyote defense forced another punt, allowing Anna to put together a sustained drive into Celina territory. Kreye eventually finished the possession with a six-yard rushing touchdown, giving Anna a 28-21 lead with approximately five minutes remaining.
After trailing by 13 at halftime, Anna had scored four touchdowns in the second half and appeared positioned to complete the comeback in regulation.
Celina, however, had one final answer.
With approximately two minutes remaining, the Bobcats took possession near midfield and advanced into Anna territory. Lacrue connected with Walker Grubbs on a long completion before finding Engle for a 26-yard touchdown pass.
Holt converted the extra point, tying the game at 28-28.
Anna attempted one final drive, advancing into Celina territory before turning the ball over on downs. Regulation ended with the teams tied, sending the rivalry matchup into overtime.
Carter Scores, Defense Seals Overtime Victory
Celina won the overtime coin toss and elected to play defense first, giving Anna the opening possession from the Bobcats’ 25-yard line.
The Coyotes needed only one play.
Carter broke free for a 25-yard rushing touchdown, his third score of the night, and Marroquin converted his fifth extra point to put Anna ahead 35-28.
Celina responded by advancing inside Anna’s five-yard line, eventually reaching the two-yard line with two opportunities remaining to score.
The Coyote defense held firm, stopping the Bobcats on third down before denying them again on fourth down from the two-yard line. The turnover on downs ended the game, completing Anna’s comeback and securing the 35-28 victory.
Anna Remains Undefeated
Carter finished with three rushing touchdowns, scoring from one yard in the third quarter, breaking away for a long touchdown in the fourth and delivering the game-winner in overtime.
Kreye added a passing touchdown to Adams and a rushing score of his own, while Marroquin finished a perfect five-for-five on extra-point attempts.
Anna’s defense also played a crucial role, recording multiple sacks throughout the contest before delivering the decisive overtime stand.
The victory improves Anna to 9-0 on the season following last week’s 41-24 win over Denison, which secured the Coyotes’ postseason berth.
Friday’s result marked another milestone in Anna’s undefeated campaign, as the Coyotes overcame their largest halftime deficit of the season to defeat their rival on the road.
After four quarters of momentum swings and a dramatic overtime finish, Anna left Bobcat Stadium with its perfect record intact and another victory added to an already memorable season.
Photo Credit: Colton Roper (@shots_by_ropier) / Photography from a previous Anna football game, provided to The Anna Progress. Photo does not depict the Celina matchup.
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