2011 Texas High School Football Games of the Year

Once again, we went through more than 200 finalists when choosing our top 25 and once again, it was tough to decide. You’ll remember from our show that breaks down some of the “Games that Didn’t Make the Cut,” that there were many great games that didn’t make it into this Top 25.

Last time we looked at games #21-25
In this second installment, we look at games #16-20

#20 (Kerrville Tivy – 50, Port Lavaca Calhoun – 43)

Kerrville Tivy scored a touchdown with 24 second left in the game to beat Port Lavaca Calhoun 50-43 in their Class 4A Division II third round game at the Alamodome.

Tivy led this game 42-28 with just over 11 minutes remaining but the Sandcrabs were not about to give up. They scored 2 touchdowns with the last coming with 1:33 left in the game. That last score made it 42-41 Tivy. Calhoun coach Richard Whittaker gambled and went for 2. The gamble paid off and the Sandcrabs took the lead 43-42. However, Tivy responded with a 54 yard drive and a 2 point conversion.

The teams combined for 1,238 total yards with the Antlers getting their yardage in the air (336 yards) and the Sandcrabs getting theirs on the ground (507 yards). Tivy quarterback Parks McNeil added 216 yards rushing and 4 touchdowns to go along with his 336 yards passing. The Sandcrabs 3 1000 yard rushers all had great nights. Brandon Griffith ran for 218 yards and 3 TDs, Joseph Bargas ran for 172 yards and 2 scores and Daniel Brooks ran for 185 yards and had an interception on defense.

#19 (Dallas Skyline – 35, The Woodlands – 31)

A lot of people around the state called this win by the Dallas Skyline Raiders a “shocker” or a “surprise.”  That isn’t how the diehard Dallas Skyline fans felt.  They had seen them carve out an amazing season with wins over several teams there weren’t supposed to beat – this was another day at the office for them.  The Dallas Skyline Raiders came from behind to win this Class 5A Division I playoff game.

The Woodlands Highlanders built a sizable 17-7 lead and appeared to have this one in hand.  They led this one 31-21 entering the 4th quarter but they couldn’t seem to put Skyline away.  No matter how much pressure the Highlanders defense applied, Skyline seemed to stay alive.

In a season that has been made up of big plays for Skyline, they had to rely on ball control drives and more than a few lucky breaks.  In the end though, it was the Raiders’ defense that held off The Woodlands on their final drive to seal the victory.

#18 (Dallas Jefferson – 19, Fort Worth Diamond Hill-Jarvis – 16)

There are times when simply getting a win is a big deal.  Yeah, half the teams in the state get a win every single week, but sometimes they are long in coming.  Dallas Jefferson got their first win in 37 tries with a 19-16 win over Fort Worth Diamond Hill-Jarvis to end their 36 game losing streak.

The game was close as many of Jefferson’s losses had been, but this time they came out on top.  The fact that fans were still in the stands rooting on their team is testament to how important high school football is in Texas.  For that reason, it is great when you see a streak like this end.  Congratulations!

#17 (Hemphill – 77, West Sabine – 56)

This games was a showcase of offensive talent.  If you like to see scores, this was the game for you.    The 133 points scored by the two teams also makes it into the record books allowing it to tie for 3rd place on the all-time list for Combined Points In A Regular Season Game.

In addition to teams prowess, the game featured an absolute clinic by Hemphill’s sophomore quarterback, Justin Twine.  He ran for the second most yards in Texas high school history.  Twine had 21 carries for an amazing 534 yards and 6 touchdowns.  That puts him at #2 on the all-time list for rushing yards in a game.

#16 (Shallowater – 28, Snyder – 27) Double Overtime

The game was tied at 21 all at the end of regulation. On the final play, Snyder connected on a long 46 yard pass but the receiver was tackled inches from the goal line. After a scoreless overtime session, Shallowater scored in their half of the second OT kicking the extra point to go up 28-27. Snyder responded with a score of their own and coach Chad Rogers made the call that looks brilliant when it works and has you slapping your forehead when it doesn’t – he went for two.  Superstar Snyder QB Keenon Ward was stopped short on a run and Shallowater made a surprise advance to the Quarterfinals.

Lone Star Gridiron www.lonestargridiron.com

Were you at this game or do you have a comment? Leave a comment here or call in the voicemail lines 713-568-6361 or 512-827-8585!!