VAN -- Hallsville never had a lead on Ennis until it mattered the most on Friday night.

Alec Acuna nailed a 24-yard field goal with 55 seconds left in the game, and the Bobcats shocked the defending Class 5A Division II champions, 24-23, at Van Memorial Stadium.

Hallsville (7-4) quarterback Roger McCuller scored on a 1-yard touchdown run with 2:37 left, and the Bobcats subsequently recovered the onside kick to get possession back.

The Bobcats trekked down the field until Acuna sent them to the area round of the 5A Division II playoffs, where Hallsville will face Lancaster.

Hallsville got within two of Ennis (6-5) after McCuller scored on a 7-yard run late in the third quarter to make the score 16-14. But the Lions would go back up by nine after Chris McDonald returned a McCuller interception 30 yards for a touchdown with 7:07 left in the game.

McCuller struggled in the passing game (6 of 14, 84 yards, two interceptions), but excelled on the ground, rushing for 148 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries. Lance Hardman added 63 yards and a touchdown on 17 attempts.

Kyre Holloway rushed five times for 75 yards and a touchdown, which was Ennis' only offensive touchdown. Trevor Oakley kicked three field goals -- all from at least 41 yards out -- in the loss.

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