What were you doing when you were 14 years old? You were probably playing NCAA Football in “Road to Glory” mode, winning state titles for your high school. Well, Jase McClellan was named Offensive MVP in the 5A Division II state title game as Aledo defeated Corpus Christi Calallen 24-16 to claim their seventh state title in school history.
McClellan ripped off a 69 yard touchdown run that was vintage Marshawn Lynch “Beast Mode” in front of 25,983 people at AT&T Stadium. When McClellan got to the 15-yard line he was surrounded by three Calallen defenders. He juked one, then ran through and carried the other two into the end zone for the last five yards of the run.
“I wasn’t going to be denied going into the end zone, I made a couple guys miss,” said McClellan about his run. “Some people don’t even get to play in a state title game and as a Freshman I play in, and win one, its pretty amazing.”
With that run, Aledo led 17-3, and it seemed like the Bearcats were going to cruise to victory. Calallen responded with a 32 yard touchdown by Gabe Lamb 17-10 and game on. On the ensuing kickoff, Aledo fumbled, and Calallen recovered and a sense of nervousness could be felt in the Aledo stands. The defense did its part after giving up a fourth down conversion due to a penalty; the next three plays were tackles for losses and included two sacks.
“I let the crowd get to me on that play,” defensive MVP James Williams said. “I said it was just a game and focused and made a play that helped us win the game. So grateful right now.”
The first half was a defensive struggle. Calellen relied on their Wing T offense to drain the clock, holding the ball for 15:11 in the first half. That gave the Wildcat defense time to rest up for the potent Aledo attack. The Bearcats on the other hand, had a balanced attack, 12 passes to 10 rushes but only three of the passes were completed and four of the rushes were to Jase McClellan who was bottled up for four yards.
“Our defense was spectacular tonight, with our offense not playing their best game of the season,” Aledo Head Coach Steve Wood said. “We got them in negative yardage situations which is tough to do and made just enough plays on that side of the ball.”
Aledo’s touchdown came on a five yard run by Rhett Harris, making it 7-0 with 4:09 remaining in the first quarter. The touchdown came three plays after Dillon Davis threw an interception at the one yard line and while John Gaddis was returning the pick he fumbled at the 32 yard line, the original line of scrimmage. The Bearcats took a 10-3 lead into halftime.
With the score 17-10 and the Bearcats being forced to punt after a three-and out, Calallen junior RB/DB Zach Hawkins muffed the punt and Aledo recovered and took over at the Wildcats 30-yard line. 10-plays after the muffed punt, Donnie Evans found the end zone and gave Aledo a 24-10 lead with 5:43 l3ft in the game. The Wildcats got a late touchdown with 1:22 left in the game, but Aledo recovered the onside kick to seal the victory.
“This is what you play for, isn’t this awesome,” Steve Wood said. “They worked their tails off and got rewarded.”
Brought to you by:
how about our freshman running back almost doubling J.Gray. Looks Like Baring any injury we could have a national record setters