Five Big Things in #txhsfb: 12/24/17 by Chris Doelle

By Chris Doelle
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Updated: December 24, 2017

Texas high school football breaking news

Five Big Things in Texas High School Football

It's that time again… time for my Five BIG Things! These are the things that stood out for me recently as it relates to Texas high school football. As usual, they are not listed in order of importance – just as they come to me. And yes, I know others have tried to one-up us with their 10 things... but as with just about everything cool surrounding "the greatest sport in the greatest state" ™ we did it here first and best!

This is a special State Championship Edition of Five Big Things

1.K-Lani Nava - If you've been under a rock for a week, you missed a historic event. When the Strawn Greyhounds scored in the first quarter of their game against Balmorhea, K-Lani Nava made history. Her kick for 2 points after the TD made her the first female in the history of Texas high school football to score in a UIL State Championship game. Strawn went on to win third state title in school history but the big news was K-Lani.

2. A Triple Shot – Muenster came into their championship match against Tenaha looking for their first every football title. In doing so, they won have now won state titles in three different sports (Basketball, Baseball and Football) all in succession. That wasn't the reason for the #3 on the side of their helmet however. Schoolmate Cal York died in a car accident wore #3 and the team has dedicated their efforts to him.

3. Rockdale Kept it Lit – As mentioned in the game story about Rockdale's win over Brock, the Tigers were another team that had a tragedy bring them together. The big news for "experts" around the state was how they just kept beating teams when nobody expected it. Those experts have congratulated them on their wins but predicted losses for most of the last few games - including this one. In the end, the team speed, drive, tenacity and pure grit not only took them through those games but returned them to title game for the first time since 1976. Once there, they showed just how inspired they can be when, down by 21 early, Rockdale stormed back to destroy Brock 45-29.

4. A Game For The Ages! - The sidelines were electric as the final seconds of the game between Dallas Highland Park and Manvel ticked away. We are not talking about the crowd chanting off the final seconds, we are talking about a breath-holding toss that came came just feet short of changing the outcome. Even before that heart-stopping moment, this game featured action, drama, controversy... this one had it all from the opening kick to the crowd swarming onto the field after Dallas Highland Park took their second consecutive title. It was the kind of game that I was grateful to have attended, covered and stood 5 feet from Jalen Preston as he hauled in the pass at the 1 yard line surrounded by five Highland Park defenders but couldn't cross the goal line.

5. It's Time for Replay - Look, I am not going to get into a discussion about any of the calls. I know that officiating is a tough job and some of my best friends are high school and college officials. This is a not a knock on them or anyone at all. It is a call to utilize the technology that is available to make the game a tiny bit better. I am only talking about using instant replay at the state championship games. Facilities like AT&T Stadium (or others used for title games) have the tech already - there will be no new costs other than some personnel. It is time.

NOTE: Don't think for a second that those are the only great things that happened this championship week. There were so many amazing moments and stories. Here are a few more that stood out:

Fresh Blood - Muenster, College Station, Texarkana Pleasant Grove, Cypress Fairbanks
Running team turned passing dynamo - Carthage
College Station's 1 point win that came down to the last second and two missed PATs
The surprisingly big number of punts downs inside the 5 yard line
The surprisingly large number of special teams plays that decided games
The surprisingly large number of early leads that dissolved
Cy-Fair's game of destiny where everything seemed to go their way despite nobody giving them much chance
so many more...

by Chris Doelle