Dickinson survives 4 OTs over Pearland

Late Game Heroics Spice up Playoff Battle

Houston- If you are a fan of offensive action, this game was almost a complete yawner. For much of the opener in a doubleheader at NRG stadium both the Dickinson Gators and the Pearland Oilers listlessly went through the motions. It appeared that Dickinson just might sneak away with a 7-0 victory. That’s when Justin Guy-Robinson decided not only to change the momentum but turn this snoozer into an absolute nail biter.

Pearland’s offense was struggling. They had only gained 171 yards with just 3:10 left in the game.  It was up to the Oilers' defense to create an opportunity and erase the taste left in their mouths from last season's playoff loss to Dickinson.

On 4th and 14 at their own 49 yard line all Dickinson needed to do was punt the ball and let their defense continue pitching the shut out. Guy-Robinson then orchestrated a masterpiece of a ball game, all by himself. He knifed through the line and beautifully blocked the punt.  He grabbled it on a one-hop and raced into the end zone from 40 yards out to tie the ball game, 7-7. It almost looked as he planned the bounce himself and turned this sleeper into a 4 OT barnburner.

The only previous score occurred when Delan Baines found do-everything stud, Jordan Myers from 15 yards out who shook off three Pearland tacklers then casually walked into the end zone.  The 7-0 Dickinson lead would hold up until the Guy-Robinson blocked punt return.

Pearland quarterback Connor Blumrick was intercepted twice in the first half both by cornerback John Littles and Coach Tony Heath continued to tinker with his offense subbing the senior with various wildcat quarterbacks alternatives.

After the Guy-Robinson punt/block/touchdown both teams traded possessions. Coach Heath and his Oilers elected to let the time run out and ride their momentum into overtime unlike their district championship game winner two weekends ago against Manvel when they pushed the ball down the field for a game winning walk off field goal.

Heath won the toss and elected to go on defense to start overtime. His decision was proven correct when Dickinson immediately got in trouble and went backwards on their first possession. Brycen Drenon made the big tackle of 4th down giving the ball to Pearland.

Pearland looked to be in business when Cody Williams gained 7 yards as the wildcat QB on first down but two back to back 5 yard penalties moved them in the wrong direction also. On 4th and 13 at the 28 yard line Cody Bernstien came on to attempt a 45 yard walk off field goal. It was his second attempt in the last three games. His kick was short and we headed to a 2nd over time.

The teams then traded rushing touchdowns. Pearland running back Davier Pinkston got in from 3 yards and Dickinson's Jordan Myers (Rice commit) added a 5 yarder. It was once again knotted at 14-14.

Dickinson started next in 3rd overtime. In the 3rd OT teams are forced to go for the 2 point conversion after every touchdown. Myers once again scored, this time from 9 yards out. He fell short of the 2 point conversion getting 2 of the 2 1/2 yards needed to the end zone.  Dickinson now lead 20-14 with the failed conversion looming large.

That's when the over time periods officially turned crazy. It took Pearland 11 plays and two huge Dickinson off sides to tie it up. Pearland had four plays inside the 7 yard line and then Blumrick lost 8 yards on 2nd and goal at the 4. Blumrick hit Jake Orlando down to the 1 yard line to set up the 4th down and everything was on the line. Pinkston was stopped short of the goal, and Dickinson won, panic ensued as the Gator players and staff rushed the field.

But there was a flag on the field. The coaches ushered everyone back off the field. It was 4th and goal once again. Pinkston carried and was once again denied. BUT THERE WAS A FLAG ! ! ! On their third 4th down at the 1 Davier Pinkston finally banged it across for the 20-20 tie.  Pearland faced a 2 pt. conversion for the win but failed to convert.

They then had the ball to start the 4th OT. They were forced to kick a field goal and this time Bernstien connected from 35 yards to give Pearland the 23-20 lead.  Once again, all they had to was stop Dicksinson for the win.

After starting the drive with some good runs by Meyers, Dickinson looked snakebit again.  The were called on back-to-back 5 yard penalties setting them back to the 21. On 3rd and 16 at the 21 Baines found Myers split out as a receiver for a walk off touchdown and then the Gators could finally rush the field.

Dickinson improves to 11-1 on the year and they will face Houston Lamar next weekend at NRG. Pearland finishes the year with a 11-1 record.

by Glenn McCarthy @GlennMcCarthy44

Players of the game:
Offense- running back Jordan Myers
Defense- cornerback John Littles

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