There’s an old adage that the top players play their best in the most important games. That was certainly true Friday night, as Denton Ryan junior linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. had one of the most dominating defensive performances of the season.
Denton Ryan win the District Championship
Late in the fourth quarter, he forced a fumble by Frisco Lone Star running back Ashton Jeanty that preserved a 7-6 victory for the Raiders.
The win capped off an undefeated district season for the Raiders and clinched the district 5-5A D1 Championship. The Raiders’ lone loss was to 6A Denton Guyer, and Ryan rolls into the playoffs with one of the best overall defenses in the state.
Early in the game, it appeared that Ryan would have their way with the Rangers. Their first offensive drive was an efficient 8 play, 75-yard drive, highlighted by a Kalib Hicks 45 yard run.
The drive was capped off by a three-yard pass from QB Khalon Davis to MarQuice Hill. That was all the points Ryan would need on the night.
Missed Opportunities
After that first drive, it was all defense. The first half consisted of punts, failed fourth downs, and missed field goals. The only other score was a field goal by Lone Star in the second quarter.
The second half was much of the same, however midway through the fourth quarter, the Rangers had a chance. They drove the ball to the Ryan 5 yard line and were prepared to go for it on 4th and 5. However, an illegal substitution penalty forced the Rangers back 5 yards and they settled on a field goal.
Lone Star had one more chance at the end of the game. The Rangers got into the red zone with two minutes left, just needing a field goal to win. But Hill Jr. had the big forced fumble on Jeanty, the Raiders recovered and won the game.
Denton Ryan’s Anthony Hill, Jr. Played Lights-out Defense
Hill Jr’s stat line was incredible. The 247 Sports five-star Linebacker had 20 tackles, 3 quarterback hurries, and the big forced fumble.
Ryan will now host Dallas W.T. White in a first-round playoff game next Thursday in Denton. The Rangers will open their playoff run against Dallas Bryan Adams next week.
Both games should be easy wins for these teams, and it wouldn’t be shocking for them to meet again in 4 weeks in the Region 2 Final.
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