Westbury came into Saturday night’s football game almost too confident to win on their homecoming night, already talking that ‘sweet stuff’ to Bellaire football players on social media. But three hours later, it was the players donning the red and white who stormed Butler Stadium in celebration, having ousted their bitter rivals to get another taste of sweet, sweet victory.

“Them choosing to play us for their homecoming game became personal for us,” hybrid receiver Cordavian Adams said. “That just sends the message that they were supposed to beat us. So we came into the game ready to stand on our business, and execute the game plan.”

But a favorable result wouldn’t come without drama. Bellaire was able to steal an early lead thanks to a tipped pass that found Michael Galleon’s hands for a critical interception on Westbury’s 4th and goal attempt. Adams and the offense discovered the endzone immediately after for seven points.

Westbury answered with six points of their own, but Bellaire still remained in control heading into halftime, where the attention was on the cheerleaders who celebrated senior night.

“That whole experience was really sad,” senior cheerleader Colby Philips said. “As a senior, walking out with my family was sad, because I’m the first of three sisters to graduate. But of course it’s so much more fun when we are winning.”

Westbury was the first to break the defensive deadlock during the second half of action, leaving the Cardinals demoralized and finding themselves trailing by a touchdown heading into the final quarter of play.

But with three minutes remaining and 30 yards from the opposing end zone, quarterback Will Hazen scrambled out of the pocket before unloading a rocket towards the middle of the Westbury defense. As the defenders honed in on the pass, it was the outstretched hands of Adams that pocketed the football and sprinted towards the end zone for one of the most improbable scores of the season.

“I didn’t even realize I caught the ball until I hit the ground,” Adams said. “I looked at the football in the air and I just took it. When I was in the endzone, I realized what I just did, and I was like, ‘dang that’s a crazy play.’”

The Cardinals offense, not satisfied with a potential tie, trotted back out to the field and converted a gutsy two-point conversion attempt for their first lead since the first quarter, 15-14.

Bellaire continued to run down the clock until 38 seconds remained, until they were forced to punt the ball back to Westbury. All of Butler Stadium held their breath as the Huskies lined up in shotgun formation, intent on making one final statement on their homecoming night. But as the pass attempt hit the turf, it was the Red Birds who stole the show on Westbury’s own dance floor.

With their second straight victory, Bellaire’s men have completely turned their season around and are in a tight race for a district playoff position, now having defeated an opponent who stood directly in their way. Adams and the Cardinals look forward to their own homecoming week, where they hope to continue their winning streak against Sam Houston this Saturday at 1 p.m.