Shorthanded and on the road, Apollo ran out of steam against perennial powerhouse Bowling Green, losing 52-27 and ending their playoff run. The Purples started the scoring early, taking a7-0 lead on a 72-yard touchdown run. Bowling Green once again found the endzone on their ensuing possession and added a 39-yard field goal halfway through the second quarter to push the lead to 17-0.
Shortly before halftime, JT Edge put the Eagles on the board with a two-yard touchdown run. The Purples scored a 50-yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage to start the third quarter, but Apollo quickly responded when Edge found Landen Bratcher to cut the lead to 24-14.
Bowling Green pushed the lead to 38-14, but Edge found Bratcher for their second touchdown connection of the night, this time from 63 yards out. The Purples’ offense continued to roll, adding a pair of touchdowns to take a commanding 52-21 lead. With 30 seconds left in the game, Apollo struck back as Eli Williams hauled in a touchdown reception.
Despite the loss, it was succesful season for Apollo, as they advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2005.
“I am proud of our kids,” Apollo Head Coach John Edge said. “We had a good season, won a playoff game, and broke some records.”
