Eagles rally to defeat the Indians

Brandon scored 21 straight points in the second half to overcome a 10-7 halftime deficit to defeat East Bay 28-17 in this key Class 7A District 8 contest.

The rally began on the Eagles first possession of the second half when junior wide receiver Ryan Sass returned a punt 52 yards and later on the drive hauled in an 18-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Isaiah Alexander to go up 14-10. Senior running back Keith Cook then scored on runs of 34 and 63 yards on the next two drives to extend the lead to 28-10.

East Bay drove 65 yards in the fourth quarter and junior quarterback Ian Kuykendall scored from five yards out to pull within 28-17. The Indians would then recover the ensuring onside kick, but the Eagles defense led by hard-hitting senior safety John Preyer would stop East Bay on downs to end the last Indians threat.

In the first half, Brandon took the opening kickoff and drove the length of the field taking a 7-0 lead on a 14-yard touchdown pass from Alexander to junior wide receiver Cole Bancroft. East Bay on their opening drive would settle for three points from the foot of junior kicker Michael Bishop. The score would stay 7-3 till the last minute of the first half when senior cornerback Chris Angulo would return a punt 79 yards for a touchdown for the Indians 10-7 halftime lead.

Eagles Keith Cook finished with five rushes for 107 yards and two touchdowns and Isaiah Alexander passed for 113 yards and two touchdowns. Jordan Green added his fourth interception of the year with a pick early in fourth quarter to stop an Indians drive.

Indians Ian Kuykendall rushed for 92 yards and one touchdown.

Brandon 6-2 (2-1) can win the district title next week by beating Plant City 3-4 (2-1) on the road.

East Bay 4-5 (1-2) travels next to Durant 4-5 (2-1).