Three games into his varsity football career on Thursday, Lehman Lobos freshman Bryant Lewis made a name for himself.
A sensational go-ahead touchdown catch in overtime by Lewis was the difference as the Lobos (1-2) claimed a dramatic 42-35 victory over the Akins Eagles at Burger Stadium.
For Lewis, the touchdown was a way for him to rectify a drop he had on the previous play.
"When I saw them call the play to me, I knew I had to do something to win this game for my team," Lewis said. "I couldn't let them down."
Lehman's first win of the season, which was also the first win for new head coach Josh Kirkland, featured four lead changes and see-saw momentum swings in the contest.
The Lobos took advantage of Akins turnovers to take a 14-0 lead midway through the first quarter.
Akins (1-2) stormed right back and scored 21 unanswered points, which was highlighted by a four yard touchdown pass from Eagles quarterback Nick Cagle to wide receiver Jeremiah Brown right before halftime.
Brown finished the game with 184 yards on 13 receptions and four touchdowns. Cagle went 21 of 44 for 254 and four scores.
Lehman, which trailed 21-14 at intermission, retied the score at 21-21 with a 46-yard touchdown run by running back Kaleb Priestly early in the third quarter. Priestly rushed for 170 yards on 23 carries and two touchdowns. Both teams remained tied at 28-28 in the fourth quarter.
A 13-yard rushing touchdown by quarterback Daniel O'Neal gave Lehman a 35-28 edge with roughly five minutes left in the game.
O'Neal went 15 of 25 for 148 yards and one touchdown passing, while also rushing for 17 yards and score.
Akins, however, wouldn't go away and got one last chance retie following a Lehman turnover.
An eight yard touchdown pass from Cagle to Brown with :57 seconds left in regulation capped off a 12-play, 81-yard Eagle drive that featured two fourth down conversions.
The Lobos needed three plays in the extra session to take control of the lead for good. Lewis hauled in a 19-yard pass between two defenders in the back of the end zone to retake the lead for Lehman.
Akins' final shot to draw even in overtime ended with a fumble recovery by the Lobo defense.
Lehman returns home Sept. 21 to host San Antonio Jay at Shelton Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
