4A Team of the Week: Kaufman Lions
A year ago, Kaufman finished just 3-7 and missed the playoffs for the first time in five seasons.
The Lions had not missed the playoffs in back-to-back years since 2001 and 2002. This year’s group was determined not to change that.
It all came down to 48 minutes this past Friday. The winner of the District 7-4A Division I contest between Ferris and Kaufman would grab the district’s final playoff spot.
Late in the fourth quarter, Ferris was up 37-35 and driving to put the game away until Kaufman defensive back Broc Stjernholm recovered a fumble at his own ten yard line with 2:37 to go.
The Lions offense took over from there, embarking on a 12-play, 90-yard drive, capped off by a four-yard touchdown pass from Cole Martin to Brody Burks with just 18 seconds left.
It was the final score in a thrilling 42-37 victory for the Lions.
“Coach Castillo from Ferris is a class act and he has Ferris playing some good ball these days. We could have very easily ended up on the other side of this deal but we didn’t and we are very thankful,” Kaufman head coach Jeramy Burleson said. “Our guys fought hard and trusted in one another and their coaching staff and it paid off in the end. We are very thankful to get another game for these seniors.”
Martin put the Lions on his back with 235 passing yards and four touchdowns to go along with 68 yards and another touchdown on the ground.
In the receiving corps, Burks led the Lions with 92 receiving yards and three touchdowns, while sophomore Jayce Miles had four catches for 82 yards and a score.
On the ground, Youssouf Jungman racked up 104 yards on 13 carries.
Kaufman will now get ready for a stiff test in the bi-district round as they head to face 10-0 Lindale on the road this Friday at 7:00.
Previous 4A Teams of the Week
Week One: Corpus Christi Miller
Week Two: Canyon Randall
Week Three: Lindale
Week Four: Snyder
Week Five: Krum
Week Six: Kerrville Tivy
Week Seven: Burnet
Week Eight: Pittsburg
Week Nine: Ingleside
Week Ten: North Lamar
