Look: Fourth-quarter rally propels Van past Rusk in 4A Texas high school football clash

VAN, Texas — After a back-and-forth battle that featured five lead changes through the first three quarters, the Van Vandals entered the fourth quarter trailing Rusk in their District 8-4A DII opener.

But during a dominant final 12 minutes of game time, the Vandals downed the Eagles.

Van forced three turnovers defensively and rallied during a 14-point fourth quarter to secure a 28-19 comeback win over Rusk in their district opener Friday at Van Memorial Stadium.

After heading into halftime trailing the Vandals 14-13, Rusk took its largest lead of the night on a touchdown run midway through the second quarter but botched a two-point conversion attempt to seize a 19-14 advantage.

As soon as the fourth quarter started, though, Van's rally began with a bang as momentum quickly shifted again.

The Vandals reclaimed a 21-19 edge on their first drive of the final quarter, capped off by a go-ahead touchdown run with 11 minutes left on the game clock.

The Vandals relentless rushing attack combined to score four rushing touchdowns, led by Garrett Florey who finished with a pair of touchdown runs.

Van punched in another rushing score a few minutes later, making it a two-possession lead over Rusk with about 3 minutes remaining.

But the Eagles weren't given another opportunity to swing back in front. 

Instead, the Vandals forced and recovered back-to-back fumbles on Rusk's drives early in the fourth quarter. Van's defense also pulled down a victory-clinching interception with seconds remaining to close out a scoreless fourth quarter for the Eagles' offense.

Van (5-2, 3-0) will look to stay in the thick of the 8-4A DII district championship race when the Vandals duel the Center Roughriders (4-2, 1-1) at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14, at Roughrider Stadium in Center.

Rusk (4-2, 1-1) will look to bounce back and keep up in the District 8-4A DII playoff hunt when the Eagles face the Carthage Bulldogs (7-0, 3-0) at the same time Friday, Oct. 14, at Eagle Stadium in Rusk.

Check out SBLive's exclusive photo gallery and highlights from the game:

HIGHLIGHTS — VAN BEATS RUSK 28-19 WITH FOURTH-QUARTER RALLY

All video by Robbie Rakestraw

PHOTO GALLERY — VAN 28, RUSK 19

All photos by Robbie Rakestraw