Atascocita Pulls of Squeaker 28-27

By Michael Wright
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Updated: November 25, 2016

Morris Makes Big Difference After Move to Defense

The 21st ranked Humble Atascocita Eagles (10-1) came from behind to beat the 16th ranked Houston Lamar Texans (11-1) 28-27 in the Regional Playoffs at NRG Stadium. The Texans led 27-14 in the 4th quarter before the Eagles scored 14 unanswered points to win it.

The first half featured a lot of missed opportunities by the Lamar Texans. They had a fumble go out the end zone, a field goal blocked and had 2 touchdowns called back due to penalties. Lamar came out taking chances as they tried a fake punt a the Atascocita 45 yard line but they come up short. The Eagles made them pay though at Eagle quarterback Daveon Boyd hit receiver Alerick Soulaire in stride for a 58 yard score. With 7:41 left in the first, the Eagles led 7-0.

The Texans cranked up their running game on the next drive and had it 1st and 10 from the Eagle 19 but had to punt it away ending a 10 play drive. After an Eagle punt, Texan running back Ta'Zhawn Henry went 47 yards on their first play using some outstanding running but as he was about to score, he got stripped of the ball at the 3 yard line by Eagle DB Alex Morris (a former WR converted to a DB who would play a pivotal role later in the game.) The ball then went out of the end zone giving Atascocita the ball. The Eagles took over ending the first quarter.

After an eight play drive, Lamar defensive back Carson Thomas intercepted the ball at the Lamar 29. The Texans went on a nine play drive before RB Roeric Burns scored from 14 yards out but the play was called back with a holding penalty. They were unable to punch it in after that. Lamar lined up for a 35 yard field goal but it was blocked by Eagle defensive lineman DeMarius Brooks.

The Eagles ended their next possession with a punt and Lamar took over with 3:40 left until half. On the sixth play of the drive WR Al'Vonte Woofdard made an amazing 45 yard catch to the Eagle 8 with 1:45 left. Lamar then scored on a reverse pass that receiver Denzel Davis completed to quarterback Owen Holt for a touchdown. That too was brought back because of a penalty. Two plays later, Lamar finally got on the board with a touchdown pass from Holt to Woodard from 10 yards out. This time with no penalties. That made it 7-7 with 21 seconds left in the half. The half ended with Lamar holding a 271 to 122 advantage in total yards.

The Texans opened up the 2nd half with a 14 play 69 yard drive which took 5:01 off the clock. The drive ended with a 2 yard touchdown run by Henry. The extra point made it 14-7 Texans with 6:59 left in the 3rd quarter. Atascocita had to punt on their next possession. Lamar then scored again when Davis broke several tackles on a pass to score from 38 yards out. The Texans now led 21-7 with 2:55 left in the 3rd quarter. It did not take the Eagles long to respond though as quarterback Boyd hit receiver Lujuan Winningham from 74 yards out to make the score 21-14. The 3rd quarter ended with the Texans driving.

The Texans went in for another score as Henry scored on a dive over the top from 1 yard out. That score was set up by a 43 yard run by Henry on the previous play. The extra point was blocked and the Texans led 27-14.

The Eagles responded again with a ten play 68 yard drive that was capped by a 1 yard run by Decarlos Demmerritte. The extra point made it 27-21.

The Texans were driving until Eagle defensive lineman Tralan Hutchinson blocked a pass that landed in the hands of Eagle DB Alex Morris. Morris then took it 46 yards for a touchdown. After the crucial extra point was made, the Eagles led 28-27 with 3:18 left in the game.

Lamar had to try a fourth down conversion from their side of the field and completed a short pass. The receiver had the first down but the ball was knocked out by Eagle defensive back Joshua Escobedo and the ball was recovered by Morris with 2:25 left in the game. The Eagles were able to run out the clock behind the running of Boyd.

Lamar outgained Atascocita 528 to 283 and had 27 first downs to the Eagles 15. It was the first time that these two schools have faced each other.

Humble Atascocita advances to face District 21-6A foe Galena Park North Shore who knocked off Katy 20-17 in the earlier game. When the two met in district play, it was Galena Park North Shore who took the 31-21 victory.

by Michael Wright

Defensive Player of the Game Alex Morris
Offensive Player of the Game Lujuan Winningham