Lucas, Texas -- The Melissa Cardinals put the finishing touches on a perfect 7-0 district campaign in dramatic fashion with a rally in the fourth quarter and a gutsy two-point conversion for a one-point victory on the road.

In a showdown between two teams that came into this contest sporting 6-0 district records, it was Lovejoy with a 14-7 lead after the opening period and a 21-13 advantage at the half.

Lovejoy stretched its lead to 35-21 heading into the fourth quarter only to watch Melissa score two touchdowns that whittled the Leopards' lead down to 35-34 as the Cardinals lined up to attempt a two-point conversion for the win. Melissa completed a pass for two points as the Cardinals rallied for a 36-35 victory.

Lovejoy wraps up district with a 6-1 record; the Leopards are 7-3 on the season.

Melissa went 7-0 in district and the Cardinals are 8-2 for the season.

photos by Buzz Cory www.BuzzPhotos.com