LINDALE -- The Tenaha Tigers withstood a furious rally in the fourth quarter, and survived with a 40-26 win over Hubbard in their Class 2A Division II Region III area playoff Friday night at Eagle Stadium.

Tenaha (9-1) advanced to the regional semifinals where it will face Normangee next week. Hubbard ended its season at 8-4.

Trailing 33-8 early in the fourth quarter, Hubbard scored three consecutive touchdowns to cut the deficit to 33-26 with 1:32 remaining. But on the ensuing onside-kick attempt, Tenaha's TJ Thomas picked up the loose ball and raced 47 yards the other way for the game-sealing touchdown.

Hubbard had cut the deficit to seven points on a Braydyn Gilliam 24-yard run, Brandon Simpson's 19-yard run, and 10-yard touchdown pass from Gilliam to Simpson.

Cobe Caraway sparked Tenaha with 237 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Thomas, in addition his game-clinching kickoff return, had a 66-yard pick-six to aid Tenaha's cause.

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