The Iowa Colony Pioneers secured a historic 31-21 victory over the Fort Bend Marshall Buffalos on Friday in the Class 5A Division II regional semifinals at NRG Stadium. With the win, the Pioneers advance to the regional final for the first time in school history.
Pioneers Dominate Early
Iowa Colony opened the game with authority, scoring on their first drive with a 1-yard touchdown run by Carson White. Shortly after, the Pioneers capitalized on a short field, with White connecting with Jayden Warren for a 30-yard touchdown pass to take a 14-0 lead. Fort Bend Marshall responded late in the first quarter with a 6-yard touchdown run by Peyton Long, but Warren electrified the crowd with a 90-yard kickoff return, putting Iowa Colony up 21-7 at the end of the first.
Buffalos Fight Back
Fort Bend Marshall gained momentum in the second quarter with a 21-yard touchdown pass from Kaeden Johnson to Jordan Simmons, narrowing the gap to 21-14. However, the Buffalos missed key opportunities, including a drive deep into Pioneer territory that ended with a punt. Iowa Colony maintained their lead into halftime despite missing a late field goal attempt.
Iowa Colony Extends Lead
The Pioneers capitalized on a third-quarter interception by Micario Brackens, leading to a 32-yard field goal by Andy Cruz to make it 24-14. Although Marshall answered with a 32-yard touchdown pass to Durrell Taylor, White’s 1-yard rushing touchdown late in the third quarter gave Iowa Colony a 31-21 advantage heading into the final period.
Pioneers Seal the Victory
In the fourth quarter, Iowa Colony’s defense came up big, forcing Marshall to punt deep from their own territory and later stopping them on a crucial fourth down. White converted a fourth-and-2 late in the game, allowing the Pioneers to run out the clock and secure the win.
Next Stop: Regional Final
Iowa Colony will face the winner of Brenham vs. Richmond Randle in the regional final. The Pioneers’ historic playoff run continues as they aim to make more school history.
Game Photos from Frank Jenkins
Sideline Reporter Taylor Arenz was there, and here are a few of her updates from the game:
Pregame Preview from @nrgpark @MarshallBuffs vs @IC_PioneersFB #TXHSFB #TXHSFBplayoffs pic.twitter.com/tlLyzXBsaH
— Taylor Arenz (@taylorarenz) November 29, 2024
The @IC_PioneersFB Pioneers are ready! #TXHSFBplayoffs pic.twitter.com/FmrNH5RKKX
— Taylor Arenz (@taylorarenz) November 29, 2024
The Pioneers are on the board first!!
Score:@MarshallBuffs ~ 0@IC_PioneersFB~ 7
8:32 to go in 1st #TXHSFB #TXHSFBplayoffs pic.twitter.com/i2poWXtYYG— Taylor Arenz (@taylorarenz) November 29, 2024
The Buffs fighting back! Touchdown!
Score:@MarshallBuffs ~ 14@IC_PioneersFB~ 21
9:17 left in 2nd#TXHSFB #TXHSFBplayoffs pic.twitter.com/eVsBSWjloH— Taylor Arenz (@taylorarenz) November 29, 2024
Halftime Update with help from
the Pioneer Cheerleaders!
Score:@MarshallBuffs ~ 14@IC_PioneersFB~ 21#TXHSFB #TXHSFBplayoffs pic.twitter.com/UMO5yM38k8— Taylor Arenz (@taylorarenz) November 29, 2024
It’s Over here @nrgpark the PIONEERS are headed to the @uiltexas Quarterfinals!
Final Score:
Marshall Buffs ~ 21@IC_PioneersFB~ 31#TXHSFB #TXHSFBplayoffs tt pic.twitter.com/jjw3Mptdix— Taylor Arenz (@taylorarenz) November 29, 2024
Post Game Interview with @IC_PioneersFB Pioneers
HC Ray Garza after their 31-21 victory in @nrgpark#TXHSFBplayoffs #TXHSFB@coachrgarza pic.twitter.com/qj226ePzgE— Taylor Arenz (@taylorarenz) November 29, 2024
The @IC_PioneersFB are headed to the Quarterfinals! Lead by QB @CarsonWhite2027
Carson talked post game about the win!#TXHSFBplayoffs #TXHSFB pic.twitter.com/oFNXvwwZvX— Taylor Arenz (@taylorarenz) November 29, 2024
