On Friday, October 4th, 2024, #2 Atascocita Eagles (4-0) faced off against #3 Summer Creek Bulldogs (4-0). Behind North Shore, these are two of the top teams in Houston, and they showcased their talent in a thrilling matchup.
1st Half
Atascocita kicked off the game, and Summer Creek had an early opportunity but failed to score on their initial drive. They missed a field goal, giving Atascocita the ball. On the first play, Atascocita running back Tory Blaylock made an immediate impact with an 89-yard rushing touchdown. The Eagles’ defense continued to hold Summer Creek in check, forcing them to punt after a big sack. With possession back, Atascocita’s quarterback, Cardae Mack, connected with CJ Toney for a 52-yard touchdown pass. Summer Creek responded with a long pass from Blake Thomas to Tre Brown, followed by a 48-yard rushing touchdown by Eugene Burnett. However, Blaylock answered right back, breaking free for a 67-yard rushing touchdown, making the score 21-7 at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Summer Creek went for it on fourth down but failed to convert, turning the ball over to Atascocita. Mack followed with a long run, and CJ Toney rushed in for a 15-yard touchdown. Summer Creek’s offense struggled, punting back to Atascocita, who then capitalized again. Mack ran for a 52-yard touchdown, further extending the lead. Both teams entered a stalemate in the last five minutes of the quarter, and Atascocita went into halftime with a dominant 35-7 lead.
2nd Half
Summer Creek started the second half by forcing a quick three-and-out from Atascocita, setting up their offense. Blake Thomas connected with Benny Easter for a 25-yard touchdown pass. Atascocita’s offense was quickly stifled again, leading to another punt, and Summer Creek capitalized. Braylin Causey punched in a 1-yard rushing touchdown after a long drive. Atascocita tried to respond, but on fourth down, they failed to convert, turning the ball over to Summer Creek. The Bulldogs chipped away at the lead, heading into the fourth quarter down 35-21.
In the fourth quarter, Summer Creek shortened the gap with an early field goal. Atascocita still couldn’t get their offense moving, and Summer Creek forced another turnover on downs. Summer Creek’s Causey rushed for his second touchdown, a 31-yarder, and then the Bulldogs converted a two-point play, making the score 35-32. Summer Creek had a strong drive, highlighted by Blake Thomas connecting with Tre Brown to get inside the red zone. Thomas finished the drive by rushing in for a 12-yard touchdown, giving Summer Creek its first lead of the game, 39-35.
Atascocita, with its back against the wall, was under pressure. After a key sack by Summer Creek, it seemed the game might be over. But Mack found a gap for a critical first down and followed it up with a long pass to Toney to keep Atascocita in the game. After a fumble recovery, Atascocita marched into the red zone, and with just 12 seconds left, Blaylock scored on a 2-yard run, reclaiming the lead. Atascocita held on for a thrilling 42-39 win to remain undefeated.
Next Week
Atascocita will host the Humble Wildcats (3-1), while Summer Creek travels to face the C.E. King Panthers (3-2).
