Bryce Dowdlan accounted for three touchdowns to lead B.C. Rain over LeFlore 41-23 Thursday night at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

Dowdlan scored on a pair of 4-yard runs to open and close the scoring for the Red Raiders and help keep their playoff chances alive.

“Tonight, we did what we had to do,” B.C. Rain coach L.T. Yelding said. “We are still in the hunt for a playoff spot.”

B.C. Rain improved to 3-5 overall and evened its Class 5A, Region 1 record at 3-3 with games left at Elberta next week and at home against Gulf Shores on Oct 28. LeFlore fell to 0-8, 0-6. The Rattlers have lost 21 straight games dating back to 2020.

The Red Raider defense forced two scoop and score touchdowns Thursday — a 65-yard return by Dowdlan and a 27-yard return by Rickey Nichols.

“We’ve really been working on that — first guy in makes the tackle, second man goes for the ball,” Yelding said. “Tonight, it really paid off for us.”

The Rattlers pulled within 11 points in the fourth quarter as De’Antonio Lesueur connected with older brother Dejuan Lesueur on a 41-yard score.

Dowdlan’s 4 yard run with 5:00 left put the game out of reach, however.

Star of the game: Amari Yelding had a pair of touchdowns for the Red Raiders. He led the team with 97 yards rushing, including a 30-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. He also threw a 15-yard TD pass to Tristan Paige in the first quarter as B.C. Rain jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead.

Play of the game: After the Rattlers hit offensive plays of 44 and 10 yards on their opening drive of the second quarter, Dowdlan stripped Rattler running back Saverio Singleton. Dowdlan picked up the fumble and returned it 65 yards for the score. “Coach asked me if I could play both ways. Defensively, I was just looking to make a play,” he said.

Stat sheet:. LeFlore was led on the ground by Singleton with 72 yards on 19 carries. Thamatra Wright had 67 yards receiving for the Rattlers. Dejuan Lesueur led all receivers with 126 yards. De’Antonio Lesueur rushed for a 2-yard score and threw TD passes of 41 and 35 yards to Dejuan Lesueur.

By the numbers: 21 — Consecutive losses by the Rattlers. 2010 — last winning season by the Rattlers. 22 — combined penalties, 11 for each team. 23 — Season high in points scored for LeFlore.

Coachspeak: “Our guys faced some adversity early on, getting down 20-0. We battled back. We made some crucial mistakes, especially the two fumble returns for touchdowns.” – LeFlore coach Renardo Jackson.

“Amari made a couple of big runs for us late in the game, really gave a boost on offense, including the touchdown.” — Yelding.

They said it: “I just want to do whatever it takes to win — offense, defense, or special teams. Where ever the coaches put me.” — Dowdlan.

What’s next? B.C. Rain plays at Elberta next Friday, while LeFlore plays at Citronelle.