To quote the inimitable Ricky Bobby, that just happened.

After falling behind 2-0 to state champion Jesuit Prep, the Lake Highlands Wildcats came roaring back in the second half last night to tie the game 3-3 and send it into shoot out.

To the cheers and jeers of the LH Rowdies and with the support of parents and family attending for Senior Night, Emmet Kumeh scored a goal to make it 1-2 (video here), then Reagan put one in the net off a pass from Joel Mendoza (video here). Emmet’s second goal gave LH a 3-2 lead, and the bench and stands erupted in celebration (video here). Just as it looked like the Cats would prevail in regular time, leading Jesuit scorer Ini Bryce had the highlight reel play of the game, a bicycle kick just before the buzzer to tie it up.

Since no ties are permitted in district play, the game went into dribble-up penalty kick shootout. Up to five field players for each team are given a chance at the net one-on-one with the goalie. LH senior Jeffrey Brooks, finally healed from the broken wrist that kept him out most of the season, stopped 3 of 4, while the Cats made 3 of 4 attempts to seal the victory. You can watch Reagan Dunk’s shot here, Jeffrey’s save here, Mason Miller’s shot here, Jeffrey’s save here, and Joel’s winning shot is in the player above.

The Wildcats face Skyline this Friday at Forester Field in Southeast Dallas. Kickoff is at 7 pm. Go Cats!