The 2021 version of the Possum Bowl was a back and forth and back and forth affair that wasn’t decided until the final minute Friday at Bogue Chitto.

When the final horn went off at Troy Smith Field it was the Loyd Star Hornets taking home the Possum Bowl trophy and top position in Region 7-2A with a hard-fought 26-24 win.

“It was everything we were expecting from a well-coached Bogue Chitto team,” said Loyd Star coach Brian Ford. “We found a way to get a few stops. I was really proud of the way we played in the second half.”

Loyd Star moved to 7-0 on the season.

At halftime Bogue Chitto held a 17-14 lead.

A touchdown run by sophomore James Goodwin put Loyd Star ahead 20-17 in the third quarter.

BC quickly responded on a 24-yard touchdown run by Easton Sartin that put his team up 24-20.

It would Goodwin who scored the game winner just after the start of the fourth quarter to put the Hornets ahead 26-24.

Bogue Chitto attempted a long field goal late that just missed. The Bobcat defense was able to force a punt though by getting stops and using all three timeouts.

There would be no further comeback attempt for the Bobcats though as a fumble on the ensuing punt was recovered by Caleb Smith of Loyd Star. The Hornets were able to run out the clock for the win.

Bogue Chitto (5-2, 1-1) has a huge road game next week at East Marion (2-5, 1-1). The Eagles were 20-8 victors over Amite County Friday.