Welcome to the AAC.
UTSA was given a preview of their future conference Saturday afternoon, losing a 3OT thriller against the Houston Cougars in front of nearly 38,000 home fans.
Leading the offense were two local wide receiver threats that totaled over 100 yards, respectively.
Dekaney High School graduate Joshua Cephus caught 11 passes for 106 yards and a touchdown, including the Roadrunners first score; it was his second career 100-yard receiving game. Former Cedar Hill High School standout Zakhari Franklin pulled in 10 receptions for 100 yards; he now sits at 10 different games with 100+ yards.
After trailing 7-0 early in the second quarter, Cephus broke loose on a short pass over the middle for a 51-yard touchdown reception to tie the score, leading UTSA to reel off 21 unanswered points. The second half was a different story, with Houston accounting for 17 points in the fourth quarter. An overtime period saw back-to-back field goals, sequential touchdowns with a two-point conversion, and a Houston quarterback rush to seal the victory for the Cougars.
“Those kids sold out. They are destroying it right now. Their bodies. Psychologically. Emotionally,” said a visibly deflated coach Jeff Taylor in the post-game press conference. “Every single ounce… fiber. They gave it to you all tonight.”
A Spring native, Cephus is now in his senior season, and previously served as a quarterback and all-district receiver for head coach Anthony Williams at Dekaney. Franklin is also a senior, coming a long way from his First-team All-District roots for head coach Carlos Lynn at Cedar Hill.
After falling to the #24 ranked in the country, the Roadrunners powerful offensive duo will next face Army at West Point.
CLICK HERE to listen to the Texas HS Football Podcast, with Taylor Arenz
