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Argyle Rallies Behind Sadler And Late Defensive Stop To Win Thriller Against Fairfield

Argyle Eagles

 

Argyle saw themselves down 24-17 at the half, but rallied back to win 38-33 over Fairfield in the Class 3A Division 2 State Championship. This is Argyles first state championship after losing in 2005 and 2011. The Defensive Player of the Game went to Argyles Colton Hinnrichs who had 15 tackles, the Offensive Player of the Game went to Argyles Ian Sadler who had 19 rushes, 107 yards, and 3 TDs. He also added 4 receptions for 75 yards and a 65-yard punt return for a touchdown.

Argyle set the tone early on the first possession for Fairfield when defensive back Drew Estrada intercepted the first pass attempt by quarterback Jacob Gallegos. Argyle then gave Fairfield a steady dose of Ian Sadler scoring from 13-yards out to go up 7-0. After stopping Fairfield on a 3 and out Argyle was forced to punt but a snap over Sadler’s head gave Fairfield the ball starting on Argyles 13. Fairfield couldn’t do anything and was forced to send freshman kicker Erick Rodriquez for a 30-yard field goal to cut the lead to 7-3. Argyle would respond after a 38-yard pass from Brandon Boyzuick to Ian Sadler running back Connor Wilson scores from 7 yards out, Argyle now ahead 14-3. Connor Wilson would intercept the ball on the next drive for Fairfield giving the ball to Argyle on their own 41. The drive would stall and kicker Cole Hedlund would hit a 44-yard field goal to put Argyle up 17-3.

In the second quarter Fairfield, and Larry Rose, would get their running game going allowing Rose (27 rush, 261 yards, 2 TDs) to score from 31-yards out to narrow the margin 17-10.  Fairfield would force a three and out and get the ball at the 2-yard line. With Rose opening holes up on the ground Gallegos could now pass, finding Chris Lide for a 69-yard touchdown pass to tie the score at 17. Fairfield would again force a three and out and get the ball at the 5-yard line this time they would move the ball 95 yards down the field and would end the half on a Gallegos pass to Alex Ward for a 39-yard touchdown pass. Fairfield would lead at the half 24-17, outgaining the Argyle offense 309 to 138.

Argyle opened the second half and was forced to punt, but the spark plug Ian Sadler took the snap up the sideline 42 yards to the Fairfield 4 yard line, he would score on the next play to tie the game 24-24. After being forced into a three and out Fairfield would punt the ball to Ian Sadler, big mistake, Sadler would make them pay returning the punt 64 yards for a touchdown giving Argyle the 31-24 lead.

The lead would stay intact until the fourth quarter after a “questionable” safety for Fairfield defense giving the ball back to Fairfield, Larry Rose would then score a 54-yard rush. Taking a 31-24 Argyle lead and, in 4 plays, turning it into a 33-31 Fairfield lead. Argyle would take the ball and produce a long 9 play, 80-yard drive that ended with Sadler scoring from three yards out. After the teams traded punts Larry Rose broke what looked to be a game winning touchdown, but defensive back Reese Thompson forced him out of bounds at the Argyle 17- yard line. Rose would be stopped on third and fourth down with 1:14 left in the game Argyle ran the lock out and would win their first state title.

Argyle finished with only 253 compared to 505 for Fairfield, both quarterbacks were relatively productive. Argyle Brandon Boyzuick completed 6 of 12 passes for 94 yards and one INT.  Fairfield quarterback Jacob Gallegos completed 7 of 16 passes for 179 yards 2 TDs and 2 INTs.

By:  William Russell

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