It was a tough final game for the Bowie Jackrabbits to close against a playoff bound Vernon team.
The Lions won 42-7 against the Jackrabbits, pulling ahead in the second half after competitive first one that was not reflected in the final score.
Bowie came into the game with nothing to play for but pride with its playoff hopes gone. Vernon needed to win to hold onto its third place finish.
The Jackrabbits started the game well, driving right down the field running the ball down the Lions throats in short, tough runs. It ended with Seth Mann scoring on a 12-yard touchdown run to put Bowie up 7-0.
The start would be the highlight of the game.
Vernon answered with a one-play drive, scoring on a 52-yard run to tie the score up at 7-7.
After the Jackrabbit offense punted the ball away, the Lions then took their time driving a long way for their second touchdown.
The drive started at the end of the first quarter and ended with 4:42 left in the second quarter when Vernon scored on a short run to take the lead 13-7.
Bowie was hoping to answer back before halftime and drove into Lions territory. Unfortunately, an interception was thrown with 29 seconds left.
The Jackrabbits did get one more chance. Shortly after, linebacker Zac Harris intercepted a pass near midfield to give Bowie the ball with four seconds left. Unfortunately, the Jackrabbits could not take advantage and the score was 13-7 at halftime.
The second half saw Vernon pull away with big plays on offense. A 72-yard touchdown pass to start the second half set the tone and Bowie could not pull itself out of it.
Touchdown runs covering 47, 53 and 33 yards followed from Vernon. Add in a recovered onside kick and an interception in the end zone when the Jackrabbits were trying to score right before the game ended, and it capped off another frustrating game for Bowie.
The Lions won 42-7.
Jax Johnston led the team with 80 yards rushing while Justin Clark was second with 64 and Mann rushed for 49 yards and one touchdown. The team combined for 220 yards rushing, which was its eighth time to break the 200 yard mark this season and one of the few bright spots.
Unfortunately, the passing game failed to complete a pass which made recovering from negative plays nigh impossible.
And while the defense did some good things, too many explosive touchdown plays compounded against Bowie and cut into the team’s morale.

To read the full story, pick up a copy of the mid-week edition of the Bowie News.