With its undefeated season hanging in the balance, Sterling turned to Jacob Lewis one more time Friday night.
Lewis broke loose for a 46-yard run on third-and-11, then scored from a yard out with 46 seconds remaining as the Black Bears rallied past Smith Center 24–18 in a Class 1A sectional playoff game.
Smith Center struck first on a 4-yard touchdown run by Riley Griffin Powers, but Lewis scored twice in the second quarter to give Sterling a 14–6 halftime lead.
A second errant Smith Center punt snap resulted in a safety, extending Sterling’s lead to 16–6 in the third quarter.
But the Redmen battled back. Carson McKelvy scored on a 5-yard run late in the third quarter, and quarterback Isaac Stansbury raced 30 yards for a touchdown with 1:58 remaining, putting Smith Center ahead 18–16.
Sterling, however, wasn’t finished.
Lewis’ long run set up his third touchdown, giving the Black Bears the lead for good. Lewis finished with 158 yards on 21 carries and three touchdowns.
Sterling improved to 11–0 and advanced to the sub-state to face Inman at Sterling next Friday. Smith Center finished 8–3.
