5A Team of the Week: Richland Royals
Richland made some history this year with its first undefeated regular season in school history. It made some more magic happen last Friday night.
Trailing Barbers Hill 34-9 at halftime, the Royals came roaring back in the second half with 25 unanswered points to knot the game at 34 early in the fourth quarter.
After the contest went into overtime tied at 41, Barbers Hill struck first but saw its two-point conversion attempt fall incomplete. That opened the door for Richland to win it. The Royals weren’t about to miss that opportunity.
Quarterback Drew Kates broke off a 24-yard run on the first play of overtime before running back Michael Turner scored his fifth touchdown of the game on a one-yard run. Freshman Beck Spivey then calmly booted through the extra point to seal the 48-47 victory.
Richland roars back as the Royals overcome a 34-9 halftime deficit to best Barbers Hill in OT.
Highlights from Friday with @tommy_yarrish on the call, full video here: https://t.co/23vYY87IAs#TXHSFB @dctf @Royals_FB @Richlandhigh pic.twitter.com/eziqT66l8L
— Texan Live (@Texan_Live) November 21, 2023
Turner finished with video game numbers as he rushed for 292 yards and four touchdowns and also caught two passes for 24 yards and another touchdown. Kates also contributed 90 passing yards and two total touchdowns.
With the win, Richland is headed to the third round for the first time in six years and just the second time since 1984. The Royals will face Forney in the regional semifinals at home on Friday at 6:00.
Previous 5A Teams of the Week
Week One: Melissa
Week Two: Liberty Hill
Week Three: Frisco Lone Star
Week Four: Boerne Champion
Week Five: PSJA North
Week Six: La Porte
Week Seven: El Paso Ysleta
Week Eight: Cedar Park
Week Nine: Lake Dallas
Week Ten: College Station
Week Eleven: Pflugerville
Bi-District: Austin Crockett
