The Texas State Championships - Friday

This is the weekend every high school football player in Texas dreams about.  This is what makes all the sacrifices worth it.  Two-a-day practices in the August heat.  Dealing with injuries and adversities during the long regular season.  Having to sit through all those damn pep rallies.  The march through the play-offs.  Some of the players may get another chance next season, some may move on to play college football at some level.  But for many of these players, it will be the last game of organized football they will ever play.  And now your team has a chance to win the Big One and be the best in the state of Texas. I made the drive to Houston and needed some barbeque before I drove over to the stadium.

The Barbeque

Goode Company BBQ opened their original restaurant at 5109 Kirby Drive in 1977.  Even though they have since opened additional barbeque restaurants and have expanded to include seafood and Mexican food, the BBQ at their first location is still mighty good.  

Slow cooked over mesquite, the brisket was superb: moist, tender, great bark and smoke ring.  While I had to bite the meat off the pork ribs, it too was very tender and smoky.  The sauce was a different story.  It was kind of bland and actually detracted from the taste of the meat.  Yet another reason not to drown the meat in sauce.  This was some of the best barbeque I ate all season.

The Games

For the past several years, all of the championship games were held at Jerry’s World where the Dallas Cowboys play.  This year the NFL scheduled a home game for the Cowboys on Saturday night, so the high school championship games were moved to NRG Stadium in Houston (where the Texans play).  I wonder if the owner of the Texans had anything to do with the Cowboys playing at home this year?  

NRG Stadium

The view from the lower level

Friday, game 1 – Argyle vs Waco La Vega

The first game on Friday was between the Argyle Eagles and the Waco La Vega Pirates for the Class 4A, Division 1 title.  Argyle was from District 6-4A and entered the game with a 14-1 record.  This was their fifth appearance in the final game.  Their run through the play-offs:

• ·         Round 1          70-7 over Lake Worth
• ·         Round 2          59-34 over Pittsburgh (no, not the Steelers)
• ·         Round 3          58-34 over Kennedale
• ·         Round 4          32-29 over Texarkana Liberty-Eylau
• ·         Round 5          24-17 over Abilene Wylie

Argyle Eagles 

La Vega is from District 13-4A and brought a perfect 15-0 record into their third trip to state.  Their record in the play-offs:

• ·         Round 1          42-10 over Comal Canyon Lake
• ·         Round 2          41-20 over Rockport-Fulton
• ·         Round 3          6-0 over Liberty Hill
• ·         Round 4          20-7 over China Spring
• ·         Round 5          39-3 over Carthage

La Vega Pirates

The two teams traded possessions and punts throughout the first quarter.  First downs here and there, some dropped passes, a couple of penalties.  With about six minutes to go in the first quarter, La Vega took possession on their own 15 yard line after an Argyle punt.  The Pirates moved the ball to the Eagles 37 where they faced third and 8.  After a timeout, Pirates quarterback Jamal Williams threw deep, but his pass was picked off by Gage Campbell on the Eagles 5 and returned to the 21.  The Eagles were again unable to move the ball, so they punted to the La Vega 29.

Behind Williams’ passing and running, the Pirates moved to a first and goal on the Eagles 8 early in the second quarter.  Running back Kemoche Hobbs burst through the hole his offensive gave him and scored the game’s first touchdown.  With 10:13 to play in the second quarter, the Pirates led 7-0.

Argyle returned the kick-off to their 34 yard line.  The Pirate defense again forced a three and out.  When the Eagles punted, the Pirate return man dropped the kick.  The Eagles recovered for first and goal from the Pirate 10.  On third down from the 6, Eagles quarterback Dane Ledford carried the rock into the end zone to tie the game at 7-7 with 7:38 to play before half time.

La Vega returned the ensuing kick-off to their 32.  After picking up a first down, Williams was sacked for a 5 yard loss.  On second and 15, Williams threw high and Benson Brandon out jumped the Eagles DB for the reception and a first down on the Argyle 34.  Hobbs was tackled for a loss on first down and Williams was sacked for a huge loss on second down.  What kind of play do you run on third and 25?  For the Pirates, throw the ball high and let your wide receiver go up for it like a rebound in basketball.  This time Parrish Cobb out jumped the DB and picked up a first down on the Eagles 12.  Hobbs did the rest from there as he carried for his second touchdown to give the Pirates a 14-7 lead with 4:03 to play.

Argyle started their next possession on their 34.  A wide receiver middle screen gave the Eagles a first down on the 49.  A face mask penalty moved the ball to the La Vega 35.  Ledford ran the ball to the Pirate 20 for another first down.  Ledford carried again for 7 yards, then was sacked back on the 25.  His pass on third and 16 was incomplete.  The Eagles tried a 43 yard field goal, but the kick sailed wide right.  The half ended with the Pirates up 14-7.

La Vega got the ball to start the third quarter.  After a couple of nice gains, the Pirates had first down on the Eagles 45.  Running back Kendall Ratliff fumbled and Argyle recovered on their 43. 

Running back Taylor Sweatt broke tackles and made a great spin move as part of a nifty run to the Piartes 21.  On second down, Sweatt was tackled for a loss, making it third and 14.  Pressured by the Pirates defensive line, Ledford made a desperation pass into the end zone that fell incomplete.  This time the Eagles connected on a 42 yard field goal to make the score 14-10.

After the kick-off, the Pirates took possession on their 25.  The Eagles defense forced a three and out.  The Eagles took possession on their 42.  They picked up a first down, but were stuffed by the Pirate defense on third and 3.  The Eagles pooch punt was downed on the Pirates 1 yard line at the 4:19 mark in the third.

The Eagles picked up a first down and had moved the ball to their 13.  Williams dropped back to pass, but his throw was picked off by Gage Campbell and returned to the La Vega 5.  On third and goal inside the 2 yard line, Gage McCook plunged into the end zone.  With 1:24 to play in the third quarter, Argyle had just taken the lead at 17-14.

Argyle on the move

La Vega returned the kick-off to their 43.  A holding penalty made it second and 19.  Hobbs picked up 13 yards on a tough run.  The third quarter ended with the Pirates facing fourth and 7.  They go for the first down instead of punting.  Williams dropped back to pass, but scrambled up the middle for 14 yards and a big first down on the Eagles 33.  Williams completed a pass for 8 yards down to the Argyle 25.  Hobbs did the rest.  He was almost tripped up, but kept his balance and made a great cut to get into the end zone.  The snap on the PAT attempt was over the holder’s head, so with 10:55 to play, La Vega reclaimed the lead at 20-17.

La Vega tries to answer

Argyle returned the kick-off 14 yards out to their 35.  On third and 2, Sweatt picked up 4 yards for a first down on the 47.  On first down, the Eagles took a shot downfield. Ledford threw deep and connected with Scott Smith for a first down on the La Vega 13.  Ledford ran to the 8 and was tackled late after going out of bounds.  The penalty gave the Eagles first and goal from the 4.  On second down, Ledford tossed a beautiful pass to JC Chalk in the corner on a fade route.  The extra point gave Argyle a four point lead at 24-20 with 7:47 to play.  That’s the third lead change in the game, second in the fourth quarter.  This is getting interesting.

Now it’s La Vega’s turn.  They returned the kick-off 65 yards to the Argyle 35.  If not for the kicker making the tackle, it would have been a 100 yard touchdown return.  The Pirates picked up 2 first downs on option plays where Williams ran the ball.  On second and goal from the 3, John Richards ran up the middle for the go ahead touchdown.  With 4:21 left to play in the game, La Vega grabbed the lead back at 27-24.

Fasten your seat belts.  Keep your hands inside the car.  Make sure your tray tables are in the upright and locked position.  This is going to be a bumpy ride.

The Eagles started from their own 23.  Ledford picked up 13 for a first down to the 36.  After a holding penalty, Argyle was looking at third and 15 with 2:35 to play.  This is the State Championship game.  Gotta get this first down.  Gage McCook got wide open over the middle and Ledford’s pass hit him right in stride.  He easily out ran the defense for a 69 yard touchdown.  Argyle was once again in the lead 31-27 with 2:09 remaining.

The entire season, the state championship comes down to this drive.  Can the Eagle defense put the brakes on La Vega?  Can the Pirates get the touchdown needed to win it all?

The Pirates returned the kick-off to their 47.  Hobbs took an option pitch around end for a first down on the Argyle 43.  As the clock wound down, the Pirates hammered away at the Eagles defense with runs by Hobbs.  After consecutive illegal substitution penalties against the Eagles, Williams tossed a pass to Hobbs which gave La Vega first and goal on the Eagles 4.  With only 15 seconds to play, Williams scored on a quarterback sneak to make the new score 33-31.  Now comes the extra point try.

La Vega on their final drive

La Vega makes the kick to go up by three and their band starts warming up the alma mater.  These are always automatic, right?  That’s why the NFL changed the rules.  But this is high school and nothing is automatic.  This one was a wee bit more exciting.  The Eagles blocked the kick.  Defensive back Dylan Sadler scooped up the ball and headed up the sideline.  If he carries it all the way back and scores, Argyle gets 2 points and the game is tied.  Go, go go. . .  But Sadler was tackled before he could score.  No replay of the Stanford Band play. 

The Eagles ran a trick play on the kick-off return.  The kick returner ran to one side of the field, then threw a backward pass to a player on the other side of the field.  This moved the ball to the 48.  Midfield is a pretty good place to try the Hail Mary play.  With only 1 second left to play, Ledford threw long into the end zone.  The ball was batted down by La Vega and they claimed the championship.

This game was exactly what a state championship game should be: two teams fighting hard, players giving it all they have, the game not decided until the final seconds. Six lead changes in the second half, five in the fourth quarter.  Whew. . .

Friday, game 2 – West Orange Stark vs Celina

The second game of the day was between the West Orange Stark Mustangs and the Celina Bobcats for the Class 4A, Division 2 title.  The Mustangs are from District 9-4A and entered the game with a 14-1 record.  This was their sixth appearance in the final game.  Their run through the play-offs:

• ·         Round 1          63-0 over Houston Scarborough
• ·         Round 2          47-15 over Wharton
• ·         Round 3          69-13 over Caldwell
• ·         Round 4          42-13 over Bellville
• ·         Round 5          41-28 over Cuero

West Orange Stark Mustangs

Celina is from District 3-4A and brought a perfect 15-0 record into their eleventh trip to state, having won a record eight state titles.  Should they win this game, they will break their tie with South Lake Carroll for the most state championship wins.  Their record in the play-offs:

• ·         Round 1          63-0 over Venus
• ·         Round 2          49-21 over Monahans
• ·         Round 3          46-0 over Perryton
• ·         Round 4          42-13 over Krum
• ·         Round 5          49-44 over Gilmore (last year’s state winner)

Celina Bobcats

Celina took the opening kick-off and was able to pick up a couple of first downs, but their chances for winning the game took a major hit when starting quarterback Conner Pingleton injured his arm (possibly broke it) when he scrambled for no gain.  Caleb Knowles replaced Pingelton at quarterback and drove the Bobcats to a first and goal on the Mustangs 9 yard line.  Knowles ran to the 4, but fumbled when he was hit and the Mustangs recovered on their 3.

The two teams traded possessions and punts.  The Mustangs took over from on their 1 yard line after an outstanding punt by the Bobcats.  Running back Jeremiah Shaw fumbled on second down and Celina recovered on the Stark 12.  The Bobcats only picked up a few yards and settled for a 22 yard field goal.  With 2:36 to play in the first quarter, Celina led 3-0.

The teams again traded punts.  The Mustangs started a drive from their 30 yard line.  Quarterback Jack Dallas completed a couple of passes and running backs Shaw and Quinton Chargois ran the ball to set the Mustangs up on the Celina 12.  Dallas scored from there on a quarterback keeper, then made the two point conversion.  Stark took the lead 8-3 with 6:12 to play before half time.

Celina went three and out the next time they had possession.  Stark took over on the Celina 41.  Dallas connected with Keion Hancock for a first down on the Bobcats 21.  Shaw did the rest, scoring a touchdown on a nifty run.  Stark went for 2 again, but this time the Bobcat defense stuffed the running back on an option pitch.  The Mustangs now led 14-3 with 3:54 to play in the second half.  That is how the first half ended.

West Orange took the third quarter kick-off and marched down the field.  On fourth and 2, Dallas ran the ball for a 27 yard touchdown.  His pass for the two point conversion was good.  The Mustangs pushed their lead to 22-3.

Celina went three and out on their next possession.  With their starting quarterback on the sidelines with an arm injury, it looked like it was going to be a long second half for the Bobcats.  And indeed it was as the two teams traded possessions without ever scoring again.  West Orange Stark claimed the trophy with a 22-3 win over Celina. 

Friday, game 3 – Richmond George Ranch vs Mansfield Lake Ridge

The third (and last) game of the day was between the Richmond George Ranch Longhorns and the Mansfield Lake Ridge Eagles for the Class 5A, Division 1 title.  The Longhorns are from District 24-5A and entered the game with a perfect 15-0 record.  They were making their first appearance in the Championship game.  Their run through the play-offs:

• ·         Round 1          55-14 over Fort Bend Bush
• ·         Round 2          63-30 over Nederland
• ·         Round 3          48-28 over Bryan
• ·         Round 4          59-46 over Temple
• ·         Round 5          42-23 over Cedar Park Vista Ridge

Richmond George Ranch Longhorns

Mansfield is from District 14-5A.  Like Richmond, the Eagles brought a perfect 15-0 record into their first state championship game. Their record in the play-offs:

• ·         Round 1          63-12 over Dallas Samuell
• ·         Round 2          77-51 over Tyler
• ·         Round 3          69-40 over Mesquite Poteet
• ·         Round 4          56-53 over Longview
• ·         Round 5          42-21 over Aledo (last year’s champion)

Mansfield Lake Ridge Eagles

Lake Ridge received the opening kick-off, but was unable to move the ball and was forced to punt.  George Ranch took possession on their 45 yard line.  They drove deep into Eagles territory, picking up a big first down on third and 7.  After a false start penalty, the Longhorns faced second and 14 from the 33.  Josh Scruggs took a pitch, swept wide, and scored from 33 yards out.  The extra point made it 7-0 with 7:25 left in the first quarter.

Neither team could move the ball and punted several times.  After an Eagles punt, the Longhorns took possession at midfield.  Richmond picked up big yardage on the ground every time they ran wide.  Scruggs carried the ball to the Mansfield 5 on a jet sweep.  Alex Fontenot scored from 5 yards out as the first quarter ended.  The extra point put George Ranch up 14-0.

Both teams were able to move the ball, but each lost possession when they could not pick up a first down on fourth and short.  With 8:59 left in the second quarter, Lake Ridge started from their 29 yard line.  On second and 7, quarterback Jett Duffey had lots of time to throw, but his long pass was intercepted on the Longhorns 20.

On third and 2, running back Darius Anderson burst through a big hole in the Eagles defense, made a couple of great cuts, and was brought down on the Lake Ridge 23.  On third and 9, quarterback Antonio Jackson connected on a 22 yard touchdown pass to Quintin Morris.  The second quarter ended with George Ranch blanking out Mansfield at 21-0.

Richmond going in for another score

The Longhorns got the third quarter kick-off and picked up exactly where they left off.  Starting from their 36, George Ranch moved downfield using their strong running game.  On third and 8, Jackson hooked up with Anderson for a 40 yard touchdown pass to extend their lead to 28-0 with 10:10 left in the third quarter.

After a 15 yard return of the kick-off, Lake Ridge began their next drive on the 29.  Quarterback Jason Bean ran up the middle for a big gain down to the Longhorns 39.  The Eagles were flagged for a couple of false starts and were facing fourth and 9.  Needing points, they went for the first down, but did not pick up the yardage needed. 

Longhorn Darius Anderson busted up the middle through a gaping hole opened by his offensive line.  He rumbled down to the Lake Ridge 5 where he was stripped of the ball.  Austin McCarther scooped up the fumble and ran it back to the Eagles 25.  The Eagles picked up 7 yards and faced third and 3.  Bean dropped back to pass, but his throw was picked off by Longhorn linebacker Brent Ugo on the Eagles 32. 

Evan Foston carried the ball on a sweep by George Ranch that set up first and goal on the Lake Ridge 8.  Alex Fontenot did the rest, scoring on an 8 yard run to push the score to 35-0 with 6:52 to play in the third quarter.  The rout was on, so we decided to leave the game.  George Ranch scored three more times in the second half to win 56-0 and take home their first state championship.

A great day of football, even if two of the games ended up being lopsided.  Go get something to eat, maybe enjoy an adult beverage or two, and get some sleep. Then do it all over again on Saturday.  

NRG Stadium at night

It's on to State!

The Texas high school football season comes down to the final weekend in Houston.  For each division, one game, winner takes all.  There will be four games on Thursday (two for 2A and two for 3A), three on Friday (two 4A games and one 5A game), and the final three games on Saturday (the second 5A game and the two 6A games). An orgy of high school football.  

I will not be there on Thursday, but will be there on Friday and Saturday to see these games.

• ·         6A Division 1             Westlake vs North Shore
• ·         6A Division 2             Lake Travis vs Katy
• ·         5A Division 1             Lake Ridge vs George Ranch
• ·         5A Division 2             Cedar Park vs Lone Star
• ·         4A Division 1             Argyle vs La Vega
• ·         4A Division 2             Celina vs West Orange Stark

Three schools from the Austin area will be playing in Houston.  The Vista Ridge Rangers made their deepest play-off run in school history, but were eliminated by George Ranch and will not be making the trip.  The games will be televised on Fox Sports Southwest for those people who can't travel. Tune in and watch some really great football.  

I will post pictures and game summaries.  And of course I'll be looking for good barbeque while I am in Houston.  It's going to be great!

The Play-offs Round 5 - Westlake vs Allen

We’re down to the semi-finals, the Final Four.  The closest game to me is a 6A Division 1game in Waco between the Westlake Chaparrals and the three time defending state champion Allen Eagles.  Sounds like it’s time for a Road Trip.  Is there any good barbeque in Waco?  I am about to find out.

The Barbeque

While I could stop off at Rudy’s Country Store for barbeque, the question is: why?  I could get their BBQ in Austin, or Round Rock, or any of maybe twenty different towns.  I want to try a place I’ve never been to before and see what they serve.  Per my friend the Google, I’m headed to Vitek’s BBQ.

Located at 1600 Speight Ave (just off I-35) in Waco, Vitek’s has been in business since 1915.  It is yet another place that started out as a country store and evolved into a BBQ joint.  They are known for a meal they call the “Gut Pack”, but I ordered my usual moist brisket and ribs.  The ribs were meaty and smoky, but a bit chewy.  The brisket had a good bark and smoke ring, but not consistently moist.  Some slices were juicy, while others were dry. The brisket was tender, but was lacking in flavor.  The sauce was a typical ketchup based sauce that didn’t add much.  The pickles and onions were served together in a small Styrofoam cup.  The pickles were buried under the finely chopped onions and I had to dig down to get them.  Overall the barbeque was not bad, but I have had better this season.

The Game

The game was originally scheduled for Saturday afternoon at McLane Stadium where Baylor plays.  But with the threat of bad weather on Saturday, the schools agreed to move the game to Friday night at Waco ISD Stadium.  What a good decision – clear skies, 69 degrees at kick-off, and no rain.  There was a pretty strong breeze out of the south the teams would face.

Waco ISD Stadium

How they got here. . .

Westlake entered the game with a 13-1 record, their only loss at the hands of Lake Travis during district play.  Their play-off record:

• ·         Round 1          35-14 over Round Rock
• ·         Round 2          28-3 over The Woodlands
• ·         Round 3          56-7 over North Mesquite
• ·         Round 4          49-28 over Atascocita

Allen entered the game with a 14-0 record.  The three time defending state champion had a 57 game win streak on the line.  They will lose at some point in time.  Likewise, the sun will explode and our solar system will be destroyed at some point in time.  The question is: which will happen first?  Allen’s play-off record:

• ·         Round 1          50-14 over Byron Nelson
• ·         Round 2          41-40 over The Desoto
• ·         Round 3          36-11 over Arlington Martin
• ·         Round 4          48-27 over Denton Ryan

Westlake won the toss and elected to receive.  With a strong wind behind them, the Allen kick-off sailed through the end zone for a touchback.  Starting from the own 25 yard line, the Chaparrals picked up a couple of early first downs.  On second down and 7, quarterback Sam Ehlinger lofted a deep pass to Reed Klubnik who was tackled on the Eagles 27.  Klubnik appeared to hurt his ankle on the play and the Chaps all time leader in pass reception yardage did not return to the game.  Ehlinger completed another pass down to the Eagles 16 for a first down, but the drive stalled after that.  Westlake settled for a field goal and the kick from 26 yards was good.  With 8:05 to play in the first, the Chaps were up 3-0.

Westlake driving in the first quarter

Going into the wind, the Westlake kick-off was caught on the Eagles 9.  A great return set Allen up on the Chaps 49.  Quarterback Mitchell Jonke was sacked on third and 8.  Held to three and out, the Eagles punt sailed into the end zone, giving Westlake the ball on the 20 yard line.

Allen begins a drive after a big kick-off return

The Chaps were unable to move the ball and were forced to punt after going three and out.  The Eagles took possession on their own 41.  The Chaps defense forced another three and out.  This time the Allen punt rolled dead on the Westlake 15.

Two runs by Ehlinger gave the Chaps a first down on the 30.  Ehlinger dropped back to pass, found Kylen Granson open over the middle, and his pass connected with the speedy wide receiver in full stride.  Granson beat the defensive back down the sideline and scored.  The play covered 70 yards.  The extra point was no good.  The Chaps were up 9-0 with 3:39 to play in the first quarter.

After a 21 yard return, the Eagles started from their own 35 yard line.  Since Jonke had been ineffective, Allen put in Seth Green at quarterback.  On third and 10, Green was pressured into throwing a bad pass that was almost picked off.  For the third consecutive possession, the Chaps defense forced a three and out.  The Eagles punt was downed on the Chaps 35.  Westlake was unable to move the ball and were forced to punt after going three and out. 

Allen started from their 38 yard line with 1:15 left in the opening quarter.  Green rolled out and completed a pass to the Chaps 39 for the first Eagle first down of the game.  When the first quarter ended, Allen was facing a fourth and 6.  Instead of punting, they tried a pass play that was no good.

Westlake took the ball over on downs.  They picked up a couple of first downs via runs and passes by Ehlinger.  They moved to the Allen 32 where the drive bogged down.  On fourth and 14, the Chaps lined up as if they were going for the first down, but Ehlinger pooch kicked the ball were it was downed on the Allen 1 yard line.

The Eagles were able to get one first down out to their 12, then the Chaps defense stiffened again and forced Allen to punt.  The punter shanked the kick and it went out of bounds on the Allen 20 yard line.  After the 8 yard punt, the Chaps took possession with 6:39 before half time.

The Chaps offensive line gave Ehlinger lots of time in the pocket to find his receivers.  He connected on a quick slant over the middle that moved the ball to the Eagles 4 for first and goal.  Ehlinger rolled to his right, then found Granson open on the left for a four yard touchdown.  This time the extra point was good.  The Chaps led 16-0 with 5:58 in the half.

The two teams traded punts in the second quarter.  Allen got the ball back on their 25 with 2:57 left to play.  Kirby Bennett had a good 20 yard run to give the Eagles a first down on the 45.  A wide receiver screen moved the ball to the Chaps 36.  Green was pressured on first down and he threw a pass out of bounds to avoid a sack.  On second down, he scrambled to the Westlake 29.  Needing three yards, Allen was unable to pick up the first down.  Once again, the Chaps took over on downs.

Ehlinger led the Chaps in a hurry up offense to move the ball downfield.  He connected again with Grayson for a gain down to the Eagles 32 with 10 seconds left.  His next pass over the middle was intercepted on the Allen 15 with 4 seconds left.  Seth Green took a knee to end the half with Westlake up 16-0.

The wind picked up a little and the temperature had dropped to 68 degrees when Westlake kicked-off to Allen to begin the third quarter.  The Eagles started into the wind from their own 25 after the touchback.  Bennett picked up 13 yards on a run to the 38.  Green threw a pass to the sideline that was caught, but the receiver fumbled when he was hit.  Chaps linebacker Levi Jones scooped up the ball and rambled down to the Eagles 20.

It took Westlake only one play to increase their lead.  Ehlinger found Chase Cokely in the corner of the end zone for a 20 yard touchdown pass.  With the extra point, the Chaps extended their lead to 23-0 on the defending champions.

After the Westlake kick-off sailed into the end zone, Allen started from their 25.  An offsides penalty against the Chaps set up first and 5 from the 30.  A deep pass from Green connected with Tevyn Stevenson who was run out of bounds on the Westlake 7.  On first and goal, Bennett carried to the 5.  On third and goal from the 5, Green was hit as he passed and the ball was nearly intercepted.  Allen got their first points of the night when their 22 yard field goal was good.  With 10:29 to play in the third, the new score was 23-3.

Kicking into the wind, Allen’s kick-off was caught on the 2 and a nifty return set the Chaps up on the Eagles 38.  Facing fourth and six, Ehlinger looked for Cokley over the middle for the first down, but his pass was too high.  Cokley was hurt on the play and had to be helped off the field.  Having already lost Reed Klubnick, the Chaps would be in trouble if Cokley could not return to action.

The Eagles took over on downs on their own 35 with 8:32 left in the third.  Runs from Bennett and Green moved the ball down field for the Eagles.  They reached the Westlake 23 where they faced third and 4.  Green was again pressured as he threw, his pass too long for an open receiver.  The Eagles lined up to kick a 44 yard field goal into the wind.  The kick was blocked and a Chaps special team player returned the ball to the Eagles 48.

The two teams traded possessions the remainder of the third quarter.  Westlake attempted a 40 yard field goal with the wind at their back at the end of the third quarter, but the kick was no good.  The Eagles took possession on their 23 as the fourth quarter began.  They went three and out and had to punt.

Westlake took possession on their 18 yard line.  Wanting to kill as much of the clock as possible, the kept the ball on the ground and picked up a couple of first downs.  With 5:33 left in the game, the were forced to punt. 

The Eagles started from their own 24 yard line.  Playing a hurry up offense, Green connected on four consecutive passes to move the ball to the Chaps 3 yard line.  On first and goal, Green lofted a pass to Camden Harrison in the corner of the end zone for the score.  The extra point made it 23-10 with 4:15 remaining to play.

Allen needed to get the ball back, so they attempted an onside kick.  The Chaps recovered on their 47.  Ehlinger carried for two, then busted a run up the middle.  He was tackled from behind on the Eagles 6.  On first and goal, Ehlinger was tackled on the 9 for a loss of three.  On second and goal, he threw into the end zone where Allen safety Jaylon Jones was waiting.  He intercepted the ball four yards deep in the end zone, then cut to his left, and streaked down the sideline for a pick six.  With the extra point, the Eagles had scored two touchdowns in a three minute span to make it 23-17 with 1:46 still on the clock.  Would that missed extra point come back to haunt Westlake?

Allen attempted another onsides kick.  This time the ball went out of bounds.  After the penalty, Westlake took possession on the 50.  Allen only had two timeouts left and needed to prevent the Chaps from picking up a first down.  After Ehlinger ran for 9, Allen burnt their second timeout.  Ehlinger picked up 2 yards for a first down.  He carried the ball again for 1 yard and Allen used their last timeout with only 1:09 to play in the game.  Ehlinger took a knee to start the clock and Allen was powerless to stop it.  Ehlinger took one final snap and dropped to a knee.  Westlake won 23-17 and stopped the second longest winning streak in Texas football history at 57 games.  Despite repeated warnings from the public address announcer, many Westlake students and fans streamed onto the field to enjoy the moment with their team.  There were not enough police in Waco from stopping the celebration.

Allen put up a tremendous fight as would be expected of a team with their record of excellence.  Their defense slowed down the high powered Westlake offense, only allowing 23 points (none after the third quarter touchdown at the 11:27 mark).  Jaylon Jones 100 yard plus interception return gave the Eagles some small hope in the waning minutes.  But their offense never really got untracked and only managed 10 points.

Quarterback Sam Ehlinger has been given much of the credit for the success Westlake has enjoyed this year.  He threw for 278 yards and three touchdowns in this game and picked up another 127 yards rushing on 30 carries.  Kaylen Granson finished with 7 catches for 136 yards and two touchdowns, while Chase Cokley picked up 48 yards on 4 catches and scored once.  But this win really rested on the shoulders of the Westlake defense.  They forced a total of five 3 and outs on the Allen offense, four of those in the first half.  Three times they made Allen turn the ball over on downs when the Eagles could not pick up the first down yardage needed.  The fumble recovery to start the third quarter set up the Chaps with a touchdown that proved to be the winning difference in the game.

Led by Coach Todd Dodge, the Chaps head to Houston next week where they will play Galena Park North Shore for the state championship.  Dodfge will be coaching in his sixth state championship game where he has gone 4-1 in the previous five.  This is the deepest run Westlake has made in the play-offs since losing the 2009 championship to Euless Trinity.  In 2006, they lost the championship to the Southlake Carroll team coached by Todd Dodge, the last time he won state.

The Play-offs Round 4 - Vista Ridge vs Vendegrift

After driving to San Antonio last week and sitting in the freezing rain, I was hoping to avoid another long road trip.  There were games played in the DFW, Houston, and Waco areas, but fortunately for me there was one on Friday night in the local Austin area.  First things first, I need some barbeque. . .

The Barbeque

Looking up on the Google, I found BBQ 512 not to far from home.  Located at 8650 Spicewood Springs Road in Austin (just off US 183), it was just minutes from the house and on the way to the stadium where the game would be played.  I called on Thursday to confirm their hours (I am learning from previous adventures).  The stars were lining up, so I headed there for some pregame barbeque.

I ordered my standard half pound of moist brisket and two pork ribs.  The brisket had a nice bark on it (especially before the gentleman behind the counter cut it off).  It was juicy and tender, with a nice smoke ring.  But it was lacking in flavor, possibly from being under spiced.  The ribs were juicy and tender as well, but the meat had to be bitten off the bone.  And again with a lack of spice.  The sauce was a typical ketchup based sauce with not much pizzaz.  The barbeque was in no way bad, but was missing the “X factor” found in other BBQ I’ve enjoyed this season. 

The Game

I headed back to Kelley Reeves Athletic Complex (the Palace on Parmer) for the game between the Vista Ridge Rangers and the Vandegrift Vipers.  At Round 4, we’ve reached the half way point in the play-offs.  For each division, we’re down to the Elite Eight teams still playing in December.  Unlike the week before, conditions were great for this game: 55 degrees at kick-off, clear skies, and no wind.  And no rain!  Especially no rain.  And an actual crowd for both schools to see the game.

How they got here. . .

Vista Ridge entered the game with an overall record of 11-2, their two losses coming in district play to district champion Cedar Park and to Vandegrift.  In the first round, the Rangers knocked off Austin LBJ 44-27 and they won their second round game against Lockhart 56-14.  Last week they knocked off Victoria West 35-14.

Vandegrift had an identical 11-2 record on the season.  They had beaten the Rangers 63-55 in district play back on 09 Oct 2015.  They defeated Cedar Creek 61-7 in the first round, San Marcos 63-14 in round two, and downed Vela 49-39 in the third round.

The Rangers take the field. . .

 

. . . as do the Vipers

After the opening kick-off, Vista Ridge started from their own 32 yard line.  Isaiah Vilaire had a nice run of 30 yards down to the Vipers 38. Facing third and 10, quarterback Matt Snow ran to the Vipers 22 for a first down.  After picking up two yards on first down, the Rangers ran an option sweep.  Snow was hit before he could pitch the ball and fumbled.  The Vipers recovered on their 30 to end the Rangers opening threat.

Vista Ridge moving the ball early

The two teams traded punts.  The Vipers started their second possession on their 39 following a 19 yard punt.  After quarterback Alex Fernandes connected with Parker Ausley for first down on the Rangers 44, the Vipers served up a steady diet of runs by Travis Brannan.  He would start up the middle, find a hole and bounce outside, and pick up 4 to 5 yards on every carry.  On first and goal from the 1, Brannan crashed into the end zone for the first score of the night.  The extra point made the score 7-0 with 4:20 to go in the first quarter.

After a sky kick to the 25, the Rangers returned the ball to their 31.  Snow was stopped for no gain on first down and his second down pass was dropped.  Snow dropped back to pass on third and 10, but his throw was intercepted by Cody Walther on the Vista Ridge 40.

The Vipers needed only one play to score again.  Bailey Middleton slipped behind the defense and took Fernandes’ perfectly thrown pass into the end zone.  With 3:27 left in the first quarter, Vandegrift led 14-0.

Having lost to the Vipers earlier in the season, the Rangers needed to put points on the scoreboard.  They returned the ensuing kick-off to their 23 yard line.  On their first play, they were guilty of holding, so the ball was moved back to the 10 yard line.  Snow hit Jamil Pittman for a gain of 17.  Facing third and 6, Snow found Ryan Landrum for a first down on the 45.  Snow moved the Rangers downfield with strong runs and passes.  After switching ends of the field, Vista Ridge faced fourth and 1.  Snow kept the ball and ran to the Vipers 27 for a first down.  On third and 7, he picked up another first down with his legs and set the Rangers up with fist and goal from the 9.  Snow kept the ball again and ran into the end zone from 9 yards out to cut the Vipers lead to 14-7 with 10:24 to play before half time.

The Vipers started their next possession from their 30 yard line.  The Rangers defense forced a three and out.  Vandegrift got a 47 yard punt that rolled to the Vista Ridge 15.

After a pass interference penalty against the Vipers moved the ball to the Rangers 30, Matt Snow went back to work.  He moved the Rangers to a first and goal from the Vipers 4 yard line.  The Viper defense stiffened, snuffing Snow for no gain on third and 5.  The Rangers kicked a 28 yard field goal to make the score 14-10 with 3:54 in the second quarter.

Vandegrift started from their 35 yard line.  Fernandes again served up a healthy diet of runs by Brannan.  Fernandes connected with Peyton Ausley for a first down and scrambled out of the pocket and ran to the Rangers 16 yard line for another.  Brannan carried the ball to the Rangers 5 for first and goal with only 8 seconds left to play.  Brannan ran a sweep, but was tackled on the 3 with just 2 seconds to play.  Vandegrift hit a 20 yard field goal to move the score to 17-10 as the second quarter ended.

Vandegrift driving , late second quarter

With the temperature at 51 degrees, the Vipers ran the third quarter kick-off to their 8 yard line, then they started feeding the ball to Travis Brannan.  He consistently picked up 4 or 5 yards per carry as he would start inside, find an opening, and plow forward to move the chains.  Faced with third and 7 from midfield, the Vipers picked up the first down due to a pass interference penalty against the Rangers.  As the Vipers ground down the Ranger defense, they were also grinding down the clock.  From the Vista Ridge 21, Brannan picked up 4 and then another 3 yards on second down.  After a gain of 1 to the Rangers 14, the Vipers faced fourth and 2 with only 3:55 left in the third quarter.  Another hand-off to Brannan, but this time the Vista Ridge defense stuffed him for no gain.  After eating up almost eight and a half minutes off the clock, the Vipers turned the ball over on downs with no points to show for their efforts.

Travis Brannan getting ready to carry the ball again

The Rangers took over from their 14.  Snow led them down field into Viper territory.  On fourth and 3, Snow was stopped short of the first down yardage needed and the Rangers turned the ball over on downs.

With 1:12 left in the third quarter, Vendegrift took possession on their 38 yard line.  Brannan ran for 10 yards, then was tackled for a loss as the third quarter ended with the Vipers leading 17-10.  After the teams flipped the field, a false start penalty against the Vipers set them up with third and 14.  Fernandes’ pass was intercepted by Vista Ridge on their 30 yard line.

On first down, Snow threw a backwards pass to Jamil Pittman who then lobbed the ball down field to a waiting Ranger receiver.  The 39 yard gain gave Vista Ridge a first down on the Vandegrift 31 with 11:27 left to play in the game.  The Rangers picked up 5 yards when the Vipers were offsides, then Snow connected with Pittman for a 26 yard touchdown.  With 10:48 to go in the fourth quarter, the game was tied at 17.

After the kick-off, the Vipers started their next drive from the 23.  Brannan was able to pick up a first down, but the drive stalled.  The Vipers punt came to rest on the Rangers 12 yard line.  With the clock winding down, Vista Ridge was able to pick up a couple of first downs.  But their drive stalled and they were forced to punt.  The punt only travelled 22 yards and was downed at the 50 with 4:54 left in the game.

Two runs by Brannan set the Vipers up with third and 4 from the Rangers 44 yard line.  Fernandes was pressured by the Ranger defense and his pass sailed out of bounds.  With 3:32 left to play, Vandegrift decided not to punt, but instead try to pick up the first down.  Fernandes passed to Brannan in the flat, but linebacker RJ Phillips dropped him short of the first down.

The Rangers took possession on their 41 with 3:26 to play.  Passes and runs by Snow moved the ball to the Vipers 28 yard line.  On first down, Snow ran the ball and was tackled for no gain.  Vandegrift called time out with 1:52 to play to set their defense.  On second down, Snow again found Pittman open, this time for a 28 yard touchdown.  With only 1:44 left in the game, Vista Ridge took their first lead of the night at 24-17.

The Rangers driving deep in Viper territory late in the 4th quarter

Vandegrift started from their own 28 after the ensuing kick-off.  With so little time left in the game, they could not use their Brannan battering ram to move the chains.  On fourth and 6, Fernandez connected with Sean Dehne for a first down on the 44.  Another pass from Fernandes gave the Vipers a first down on the Rangers 46 with less than a minute to play.  Facing third and 4 from the Vista Ridge 39, the Vipers used their last time out to stop the clock with 33 seconds left.  Fernandes was pressured by the Rangers defense as he dropped back and his pass was intercepted by RJ Phillips.  The Rangers lined up in the victory formation to kill the clock and take home a 24-17 win. 

Travis Brannan picked up 152 yards on the ground on 36 carries.  He scored once, but was limited by the Rangers defense to only three runs of 10 yards or longer.  Matt Snow was again the man for Vista Ridge.  He ran for 178 yards and a touchdown and tossed two touchdown passes to Jamil Pittman.  A lot of credit goes to the Vista Ridge defense that held Vandegrift scoreless in the second half.  The Rangers rallied from a 14 point first quarter deficit to beat a team that had knocked them off earlier in the season.  With the win, Vista Ridge makes school history with their deepest run in the play-offs and moves to the semifinals (Final Four) to face Richmond George Ranch.  

The Play-offs Round 3 - Vista Ridge vs Victoria West

Several games to choose from, none of them being played in the local Austin area.  I could have gone north to either Temple or Waco, but those games were on Saturday afternoon.  Instead I decided to head south to San Antonio to see the game between the Vista Ridge Rangers and the Victoria West Warriors on Friday night.

The Barbeque

I did not go for barbeque before the game.  I know, I know. . .  It was Thanksgiving weekend and my tummy was still full of turkey, stuffing, cheesecake, and all the other goodies we had for dinner on Thursday.  I’ll get some BBQ next week.

The Game

How they got here. . .

Victoria West entered the game as the runner up team in District 30.  They had a 7-1 record in district play, their only loss being to district champion Calallen.  Their overall record was 11-1.  The Warriors beat Nixon 56-10 in the first round and Veterans Memorial 70-8 in the second round.

Vista Ridge was the runner up in District 25.  They had an overall record of 10-2, their two losses coming in district play to district champion Cedar Park and to Vandegrift (also in the play-offs).  In the first round, the Rangers knocked off Austin LBJ 44-27 and they won their second round game against Lockhart 56-14.

Heroes Stadium is a very nice facility on the north side of San Antonio. Opened in 2009, it is very reminiscent of Gupton Stadium in Cedar Park.  When I first arrived an hour before the announced start time, it was 70 degrees and pouring down rain.  There was no one sitting in the stands, everybody under the stands taking cover from the rain.  Due to lightning strikes in the area, the game was delayed about an hour and fifteen minutes.  The temperature had fallen about thirty degrees and was in the forties as the teams took the field.  With a strong wind out of the north, it felt even worse.

Heroes Stadium in the rain before kick-off

And then it got cold

Vista Ridge took the opening kick-off and marched down the field.  The Rangers offensive line opened huge holes for quarterback Matt Snow and running back Isaiah Vilaire to run through.  After four runs by Snow, Vilaire ran 34 yards down the right sideline for the first score of the night.

Matt Snow barking out the signals for Vista Ridge

The two teams found it almost impossible to move the ball because of the weather and ended up trading punts.  A Ranger return man muffed a punt and the Warriors recovered deep in Ranger territory.  After changing ends of the field, the Warriors continued their drive into the second quarter.  Gamarquis Girdy scored from the two.  The extra point tied the game at 7 with about eleven minutes left before half time.

The Rangers took possession after a short kick-off.  Snow and Vilaire again led the way with strong runs.  Passing the wet, heavy ball seemed almost impossible.  Catching it was even more difficult, so the Warrior defensive backs started creeping up to stop the run.  From his own 56 yard line, Snow started right and faked a hand-off to Vilaire.  The Warrior defense bit on the fake.  Ryan Landrum was wide open over the middle.  Snow’s pass caught him in full stride and Landrum scored easily.  The Rangers were up 14-7 with about 10 minutes to play in the second quarter.

Victoria took the ensuing kick-off and was again unable to move the ball.  After the punt, the Rangers started another drive with their powerful ground game.  On a play identical to the last touchdown, Snow again faked to Vilaire and found Landrum wide open down the middle.  The 40 yard touchdown pass pushed the Rangers lead to 21-7.  The first half ended with the Rangers up by 14.

The weather conditions were so bad, neither school put on a half time show. Nobody would have seen it anyway as everybody rushed to get under the stands and out of the rain.  I walked over to the home side of the stadium and found shelter in the photographer's area just under the press box.  It was still cold and I had to stand for the second half, but I was at least out of the rain.

Victoria returned the opening kick-off of the third quarter down to the Vista Ridge 10 yard line.  Girdy scored from there.  The extra point made the score 21-14 with just 1 minute gone from the third quarter.

The Warriors needed a stop, but the Rangers were once again on the move after a short kick-off.  Their offensive line opened holes for Snow and Vilaire to make big gains on the ground.  Deep in Warrior territory, Snow took off on a twisting, weaving run for a 23 yard touchdown to push their lead back to 14 points.  With seven minutes left in the third, the Rangers were up 28-14.

Victoria West trying to move the ball

The two teams traded punts for the rest of the third quarter and into the fourth.  The Warriors always having to start from deep in their own end of the field.  Their offense could not sustain a long drive in the horrible weather conditions.  Late in the fourth quarter, the Rangers again marched down field.  Jeremiah Chambers crashed into the end zone with 3:54 to play from 2 yards out to make it 35-14 and seal the victory for the Rangers.

Matt Snow carried the ball 38 times for 222 yards rushing and threw for two touchdowns.  Isaiah Vilare ran the ball 19 times for 136 yards for the Rangers.  The Warriors could never unleash their offense, scoring only twice on short drives.  With the win, Vista Ridge will play their district rival Vandegrift in the fourth round of the play-offs.