New Diana Downs Sabine 38-20
The Eagles survive an effective Cardinal aerial assault to win 38-20
DIANA - The Sabine Cardinals came to play, and weren't shy about airing things out.
New Diana had good control of the line during most of the game, forcing the Cardinals to go the air when their ground game proved less effective. Swing passes were the weapons of choice for Sabine, and they had several good gainers with them.
Two Eagle punt return mistakes in the first half gave Sabine easy scoring opportunities, which the Cardinals capitalized on. The first coming after the Cardinal's initial possession, which went three and out.
Diana bobbled the ensuing punt, and the Cardinals recovered on the twenty yard line. The Cardinals then ran three quick plays which resulted in a touchdown. A two point conversion failed.
Diana stuck to the ground on their next possession, marching in for 6 points, but missed the point after kick.
The lead then see-sawed back and forth, and the teams hit the lockers with Diana leading 19-12 at the half.
Halftime was marked by performances of the Cardinal and Eagle bands, both sounding great and looking sharp.
This was the Eagle's last home game of the year, and Diana honored their departing seniors in a ceremony that reminded onlookers of the bright prospects of young Upshurites. Future plans of the seniors were mentioned, including nursing and engineering aspirations.
Diana's ground assault continued in the second half. The Eagles sprinkled in enough passing to keep the Cardinal's secondary honest, allowing several long runs by Diana's backfield.
Both teams had trouble with fumbles in the second half, at one point swapping possession on back to back plays.
Penalties also hampered the Eagles, costing them a touchdown called back for holding, and a questionable call by referees in the fourth quarter cost Diana an interception.
In the end, New Diana chalked up a hard won win over a team far more competitive than their record shows.
Diana travels to finish out the season at Union Grove, while Sabine will wind out the year at home against White Oak.