By STEVEN CALHOUN/Staff Writer

Billingsley fought hard against Keith but came out with a 22-20 loss.

The game started with a strong opening drive by Billingsley on their home turf. Malik Callens scored a touchdown with 9:58 left in the first quarter.

This was followed by a kickoff to Keith, but the team could not convert a first down and punted the ball back.

Billingsley fumbled and Keith recovered with 5:53 left in the first quarter. Keith went on to score and get the two-point conversion, putting Keith ahead at 6-8.

Billingsley regained possession with 3:16 left on the clock and held the ball on a drive that lasted into the second quarter. After a few key plays, including a carry by Callens, the home team got a first down.

Billingsley was in the red zone shooting for a touchdown when Keith intercepted the pass in the end zone for a touchback.

Keith had a four-minute drive after the touchback, but their fun ended suddenly with an interception by Landon Reed, which he ran back for a touchdown. This put Billingsley at a 12-8 lead with 5:28 left in the half.

After the half Keith received the kick and started on a five-minute drive to put the ball in and score the two-point conversion, putting them ahead at 12-16.

With 6:38 left in the third quarter, the Bears got the ball back and answered with a scoring drive. Quarterback James Woods kept the ball and ran for a twelve-yard gain, followed by a 53-yard carry by John Callens into the end zone. Billingsley gained the lead at 20-16.

Keith made what would turn out to be the final score of the game with 3:19 left in the third quarter.

Billingsley came close to making a score after a turnover on downs with 2:12 left on the clock, but could not capitalize and fumbled, allowing Keith to run the clock out.

The final score was Billingsley 20, Keith 22. Woods had 151 passing yards and 70 rushing. Malik Callens had 94 rushing yards. Carlton McCary had 55 receiving yards and two interceptions.