Evadale Stumbles Against Cushing in 46-19 Loss

EVADALE — Evadale struggled to slow Cushing’s rushing attack and committed four turnovers as the Rebels suffered their first loss of the season, 46-19, on Friday night. The loss dropped Evadale to 2-1, while Cushing remained unbeaten. Cushing rushed for 364 yards and scored six touchdowns on the ground. The Bearkats finished with 423 total yards while limiting the Rebels to 270. Evadale briefly took the lead in the first quarter when Brett Buckner connected with Jaxon Meredith for a 45-yard touchdown. Buckner added the extra point to put the Rebels ahead 7-6. Cushing answered quickly with a 77-yard touchdown run by Cason Coats, giving the Bearkats a 13-7 advantage. Buckner tied the game early in the second quarter with a 12-yard touchdown run, but the missed extra point left the score at 13-13. Cushing then took control by scoring three unanswered touchdowns before halftime, including a 59-yard run by Stephen Tamez. The Bearkats carried a 33-13 lead into the locker room. Evadale showed some life in the third quarter when Buckner found Grant Stone for a 51-yard touchdown pass. The Rebels held Cushing scoreless during the period but were unable to narrow the deficit further. Tamez sealed the victory with touchdown runs of 21 and 4 yards in the fourth quarter. Buckner completed 12 of 26 passes for 186 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. He also led Evadale on the ground with 78 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. Stone caught two passes for 73 yards and a score, while Meredith finished with four receptions for 68 yards and a touchdown. Brayden Busey added four catches for 46 yards. Evadale’s four turnovers included two interceptions and two lost fumbles. The Rebels also went 0-for-7 on third downs, though they converted three of four fourth-down attempts. The Rebels will look to clean up their ball security and defensive discipline as they prepare for their next contest.