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2007 5A Division I State
Semifinals: Euless Trinity 30
Plano 27 (2 OT)
Before the game even began, both Trinity
and
Plano coaches knew it would be the game of a lifetime, and it
would turn out to be just that.
Plano came out strong in the first quarter, scoring 7 points to
Trinity's 3. This deficit fired up the Trinity offense led by QB
Denarius McGhee, and the
Plano defense allowed them to score 14 unanswered points. Both
scores were by the previously injured RB Dontrayevous Robinson, who
broke his ankle in the regular season finale against cross-town rivals,
Hurst Bell. This seemed to be no burden though, as Robinson leaped in
for a 1-yard score, and caught a 34-yard pass from McGhee for the
second. Despite leading 17-7 at this point in the second quarter,
Plano wasn't going to give up a chance of going to the state
championship just yet. With less than 5 minutes kin the first half of
regulation,
Plano and RB Rex Burkhead pounded its way down the field to set
up the scoring pass from Plano
QB Carson Meger to WR Grant Davis to make it a three-point game just
before halftime. Quickly after halftime,
Plano ran down the field and the clock for another score, giving
them the lead nearing close to the final period of regulation. Making up
for the 14 points given to the Trojans in the second period, the
Wildcats held Trinity to none in the third, giving them some momentum
going into the last 12 minutes.. Trinity came out running, though, and
behind RB Samir Baker, capped a 80-yard drive with an ending 37-yard TD
run by Baker still with plenty of time left for
Plano to score. With the weight of the world on their shoulders,
the
Plano offense returned to the field for the final drive to
victory.. They began a great drive, but as they entered the red-zone,
the Sea of Black crowded Meger as he tried to gain a few yards after the
Trinity defense shut down their play. Trinity DT Robert Griffin caused
the potential game-ending fumble on Trinity's 21-yard line that was
recovered by the Sea of Black, narrowing the gap for any comeback by the
dispirited
Plano Wildcats.. The Wildcat offense sat and watched on the
bench, hoping for a miracle to happen in the final minute of the
football game. DB/WR Justin Collins answered their prayers on a 3rd down
play by causing and recovering a fumble by the Trojans. The Trinity
defense was still pumped as they held Burkhead a yard shy of a first
down that could potentially cause the end of the game, forcing
Plano to kick for the tie. The kick slipped in with ease, and the
game headed into the first overtime. Both defenses held their opponent
to a field goal in the first extra period, and as they headed into the
second overtime, the score was still tied 27-27.
Plano began with the ball, but struggled, and to their despair
were stuck in a rut on the 25-yard line, forced to kick. Things only got
worse when they saw that the ball fell short of the goal-posts,
resulting in a miss. Trinity fans cheered at this sight, and their
offense jogged onto the field for possibly the winning score. After
Samir Baker tore through the once-solid
Plano defense, the Trojans saw themselves on the 2-yard line,
awaiting the kick by their beloved kicker, Pery Negreiros. Used to the
pressure, Negreiros split the uprights for the winning kick, and the
final score of 30-27.Submitted
by Hunter Freeman
2007 Region 4 Championship: San
Antonio Madison 38 Smithson Valley 35 (OT)
Smithson Valley led 28-7 after three quarters. Madison scored
on the first play of the fourth quarter to pull within 14 points, 28-14.
Smithson Valley answered with a lightning strike two-play drive to put the
advantage back at 21 points. Madison scored 21 unanswered points in the
last half of the fourth quarter to tie the game. The turning point in the
fourth quarter came immediately after Smithson Valley took over after stopping
Madison on fourth down. The Rangers were set up at the Madison 39 yard
line, and could seal the win by running clock and/or scoring more points.
Smithson Valley led 35-21 at this point. However, on the first play
Madison forced and recovered a fumble. That proved to be the Mavericks'
lifeline. The Mavs drove down the field and scored a touchdown after that
turnover to pull within 7 at 35-28. The Madison defense again came up with
a big stop, and gave their offense one more chance. Led by senior QB Brian
Ehrlich, the Mavericks used just two plays to score from 78 yards out.
Ehrlich connected with senior WR Joey Boyd on the first play to get near
midfield and then hit sophomore WR Nate Askew for the tying score on a 52 yard
pass. In overtime, Smithson Valley was first on offense and were stopped
on fourth down by Madison. The Mavericks offense drove down to the four,
and then kicked the game winning field goal.
2007 Area Playoffs:
Lewisville Hebron 50 DeSoto 44 (4 OT)
2006 Division 1 Area Playoffs:
Southlake Carroll 22 Euless Trinity 21
The defending Division 1 champs (Trinity) and Division 2 champs (Carroll)
clashed in the playoffs with undefeated, 11-0 records at stake. Carroll
took a 9-0 lead into halftime thanks in part to the play of QB Riley Dodge and
WR Chris Brainard in addition to a tough Dragon defense. Trinity took
control of the game in the second half, and started finishing drives.
Trinity RB Justise Campbell broke loose for a long touchdown run giving Trinity
its first lead of the game at 21-16. Trinity DE Youri Yenga forced a
fumble from Dodge that gave Trinity all of the momentum going into the final
minutes. However, Carroll took it right back when they stuffed a fake punt
attempt from Trinity, and then drove in for the winning score on a QB keeper by
Dodge. The officially announced attendance was just over 46,000.
However, its estimated the crowd actually topped the 50,000 mark as Texas
Stadium was at least 75-80% full by the third quarter. Many fans couldn't
get into the stadium at the beginning because of heavy traffic. The only
crowd on record in the last 20 years that compares to this game's draw was the
1999 4A state championship game between Stephenville and Port Neches-Groves (55
thousand+ in the Astrodome).
2006 Regular Season: Cedar Hill
40 DeSoto 37 (2 OT)
Cedar Hill erased a 24 point deficit in the fourth quarter led by the
talents of senior QB William Cole. The Longhorns tied the game at the end
of regulation to force OT after being in a huge hole going into the fourth.
Cedar Hill won the game in the second overtime to complete the incredible
comeback win.
2005 Division II State Quarterfinals:
Katy 32 Cy Falls 28
The Tigers overcame a 28-10 deficit in just over a quarter to edge
out Cy Falls in a wild game at Rice Stadium. There were a number of big
plays in the game, but the biggest may have been sophomore DB Terrance Henry's
late 3rd quarter interception in the end zone which prevented Cy Falls from
extending its lead to 31 or 35-10. Also, senior LB Morris Arnold's blocked
punt late in the fourth set up Katy for the winning score with under a minute
remaining.
2005 Division I Regional: El Paso
Franklin 41 Mansfield Summit 38
Summit stormed to a 28-0 lead after one quarter. However,
Franklin eventually roared to life and pulled off one of the most surprising
wins in the history of Class 5A football. Franklin QB Alex Torres led the
charge, and helped book his team's place in the state quarterfinals.
2005 Division II Bi-District:
Strake Jesuit 21 FB Marshall 20
An undermanned Jesuit team shocked favorites Marshall in a highly
dramatic playoff contest. Marshall ended the game on Jesuit's one yard
line when attempting to make a last push for the win.
2005 Regular Season- Week
1 : Copperas Cove 20 Converse Judson 19
Late in the 4th quarter it was 19-13, Judson. Judson attempted to keep the ball
on a 4th and 1 and run it, but Cove stuffed the Judson ballcarrier. With time
running down, and Cove on their own 20, QB Brent Garner dropped back to pass,
split two rushers and moved up in the pocket, and threw a TD pass to WR Daryl
Armstead. Kyle Matthews kicked the extra point and Cove took the lead at
20-19. With less than a minute to play, Cove's coach, Jack Welch, made a gutsy
decision and called for an on-sides kick and Cove recovered and was able to run
out the clock.
2004 Division II Regional Semi:
Southlake Carroll 35 Abilene 30
Two undefeated teams squared off in Texas Stadium in this top notch
third round playoff. Both entered with perfect 12-0 records. This
game wasn't fully decided until Southlake Carroll picked off Abilene QB Taylor
Potts in the endzone to seal the win.
2004 Division II Bi-District:
Denton Ryan 29 Irving Macarthur 26
9-1 Denton Ryan and 10-0 Irving Macarthur put on a show to remember
at Texas Stadium. Senior quarterbacks Duane Brooks (Mac) and Justin Willis
(DR) battled brilliantly for four quarters with Willis' side ultimately
prevailing. Ryan advanced to the state quarterfinals before losing to
eventual champs Southlake Carroll.
2003 Division II State Championship:
Katy 16 Southlake Carroll 15
Championship games rarely live up to their
hype, but this game was definitely an exception to the rule. Carroll
entered the game riding a 31-game winning streak and had only been held under
29 points once during that run (19-16 win against Arlington Houston in '02
playoffs). Carroll took the lead, 15-9, late in the game on a clutch Chase
Daniel-Aaron Luna dominated drive, but Katy answered with a beautifully executed
50 yard touchdown pass to cornerback Ryan Mouton. Sophomore
Will Thompson helped seal the game by intercepting Daniel on the ensuing
possession. Katy junior tailback James Aston was named the most valuable
player of the game.
2003 Division I State Quarterfinals:
The Woodlands 50 Tyler Lee 48 (OT)
The Highlanders and Red Raiders had their wealth of talent on full
display in Texas Stadium during the first week of December in this instant
classic. Both teams went back and forth during regulation with outstanding
performances on both sides. Each offense was on fire and refused to back
down. Tyrone Ross of Tyler Lee and Jordan Dodson of The Woodlands
had great games. This was the best game played in the Division 1 bracket.
2003 Division II Bi-District: PA
Memorial 41 Aldine 40 (OT)
Memorial erased a 34-7 halftime deficit to send the game into
overtime tied at 34. Titan tailback Jamaal Charles shredded the Mustang
defense for over 160 yards in the 3rd quarter alone. Charles ended up with
close to 300 rushing yards on the game. Memorial would go on to the
regional semi-finals before losing to eventual state champions Katy. This
marked Memorial's first ever playoff win as a consolidated high school.
2002 Division I State Championship:
Converse Judson 33 Midland 32
Incredible. Judson came into this one as
the savvy championship game veteran, as usual, against the new kid on the block
in Midland. Midland had not made the playoffs in over 50 years prior to
the 2002 season, and found themselves facing the definition of championship
football in Judson. This game started modestly with both teams trading
jabs. However, Midland QB Ryan Rowland led his team on a textbook drive to
take a 32-26 lead with 30 seconds remaining in the game. Then, in one of
the most unlikely plays in the history of 5A football, Rocket QB Dustin Quinney
dropped back and hit a streaking Andre Williams for a 76 yard touchdown to win
the game.
2002 Division II State Semi-Finals:
Southlake Carroll 33 Lufkin 30
Many thought Carroll's 14-0 start to 5A play
would come to a quick end with Lufkin looming in the semi-finals. The
Panthers leaped out to a 30-14 3rd quarter lead on the prowess of their hard
hitting defense and tough running of sophomore back Jorvorski Lane.
However, the Dragons would not let themselves be defeated and came back to win
the game late in an unbelievable series of big plays. Chase Wasson and
Scott Chandler were extremely key for Carroll.
2002 Regular Season, Non-District:
Katy 37 Humble 36 (OT)
Humble came into this game ranked #1 in the state, and carrying a 1-0
record. Katy jumped out to a 17-7 lead before Humble closed the gap in the
4th quarter to send the game to overtime. The Wildcats took a 36-29 lead
in overtime, and Katy took the field. The Tigers came within one point
after answering Humble's score, but elected to go for two and the win, instead
of tie with an extra point. Katy ran an option play, and with a one handed
catch on the pitch Carl Slack outraced Wildcat defenders to the corner pylon
for the game winning conversion.
2001 Division II State Championship:
Lufkin-38 Austin Westlake-24
Lufkin, yet again, flirted with disaster as Westlake jumped out to a
21-3 lead in the first half. Panther QB Reggie McNeal aggravated an old
ankle injury, but was able to, yet again, gather himself and lead the Panthers
to State Championship glory. A huge hit by defensive tackle Ju Parks
helped turn momentum in Lufkin's favor.
2001 Division I State Championship:
Mesquite-14 SA Taft-13
Taft pounced on the Skeeters early behind the great running of Taft
tailback Robert Merrill to build a 13-0 halftime lead over Mesquite. The
Mesquite defense would respond to the challenge, and come back to take a state
championship from the clutches of Taft in a nail biting 14-13 win at Alamo
Stadium in San Antonio.
2001 Division II State Semifinals:
Lufkin-27 Euless Trinity-23
Trinity raced out to a 20-0 lead at Tyler Rose Stadium shocking the
East Texas crowd. The Trojans were in total control until Reggie McNeal
toughed out an injury to lead the Panthers to a come-from-behind 27-23 win that
went down to the last seconds.
2001 Division II State Region 2
Championship: Lufkin-26 Spring Westfield-19 (OT)
The Westfield Mustangs held a slim lead for most of the second half
in a strong defensive battle. However, Beau Carr and Westfield could not
hold off a late charge by the Panthers at the end of regulation and into
overtime. The Mustangs held the lead with just under 2 minutes remaining
in the Astrodome, but a great punt return by Lufkin set up a short field for the
Panthers to work with to tie the game in regulation at 19, and then win it in
overtime.
2001 Division II State Regional Semis:
Houston Madison-61 North Shore-58
The Marlins and Mustangs clashed in a 3rd round contest at the
Astrodome that no one present at this game will ever forget. The teams
combined for 119 points, and over 1100 total yards of offense. The teams
traded leads many times throughout the game, and neither offense was thinking of
slowing down. The fans in the Astrodome should have had seat belts for
this one.
2000 Division II State Region 2 Final:
John Tyler Lions-28 Waco Lions-21 (OT)
This game will go down as one of the very best playoff games in a long time. The
Waco Lions raced out to a 21-0 lead before Tyler came back to even things up at 21 apiece.
In overtime, Tyler rode the momentum surge to a 28-21 overtime victory which would
ultimately propel them on to the state championship game. This game was also the
first recipient of the "5A Texas Football.com Game of the Year" Award.
2000 4-5A District Game: Midland
Lee-49 Abilene Cooper-36
Cooper made a gallant comeback to tie the score at 28 only to
have that joy silenced as they watched Midland Lee streak down the sidelines on the
kickoff return for a touchdown. Cedric Benson and Jordan Neal put on two of the
all-time great individual performances as Neal passed for well over 400 yards, and Benson ran
for well over 300.
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