On Saturday, Dec. 10, the Bearcats won against Longview Lobos 17-14. This scored the Bearcats a ride to AT&T stadium to play in the UIL 5A-D1 State Championship. 

While being predicted to lose, the Bearcats scored a field goal in the first quarter setting them above the Lobos by three points. After this, Longview scored two touchdowns which set the tone for the rest of the first half. 

The Bearcat fans’ spirits were down and the stands were quiet. Going into halftime at a 14-3 score, the Lobos came out of halftime ready to win the game. 

But, so did the Bearcats. Aledo scored two touchdowns in the third quarter taking a 17-14 lead against Longview. For the rest of the third quarter and some of the fourth, the Bearcats held Longview at the same score. 

With 56 seconds left on the clock, a lightning warning was put in place. This warning lasted two hours. 

The delay started at 4:10 and set 30 minutes on the clock. Each time a lightning strike occurred, the clock reset.

The clock then reset at 4:30.

Then again at 4:33.

The clock reset yet again 4:37.

Another time at 4:41.

Then at 4:50.

At 5:05.

Then again at 5:28.

At 5:42 they announced fifteen minutes left on the clock.

After these two hours, the Bearcats go back on the field to finish these 56 seconds. 

With one minute left to go, the Bearcats continued to hold the Lobos knowing that one touchdown would jeopardize their chance to the State 5A-D1 Championship.

After holding them and receiving the ball back, with 29 seconds left, the Bearcats took a knee. Before the clock went out, both teams began to shake hands. 

The Bearcats successfully scored their chance at the State Championship.

The Championship game will be at the AT&T Stadium against College Station on Dec. 17 at 11 a.m. 

Community Events to celebrate the Bearcats include:

1. PEP RALLY: Thursday, Dec. 15 at 12:50 p.m. there is a pep rally during the revised exam schedule 4th period. Watch on Aledo ISD Facebook page Live.
2. PAINT THE TOWN: Then Thursday evening at 4:30-6:30 p.m. at AHS in DNG Drive and get your car ready for game day.
3. SEND-OFF: On Saturday, Dec. 17 there will be a team send-off in front of the Bearcat Stadium at 7:15 a.m. 
4. GAME: Then, on Saturday at 11 a.m. the state title game will be held at the AT&T Stadium. Tickets are available on the SeatGeek app. Enter 5ADIS for $15 tickets. Make sure to follow the AT&T Clear Bag Policy.