Every high school football team in Texas starts the season with hopes of playing after Thanksgiving. For a select few, the dream extends to AT&T Stadium in December, battling for a state championship. On Friday afternoon in Aldine, two teams with those lofty aspirations met in the area round: the undefeated Fulshear Chargers (12-0) and the Atascocita Eagles (11-1). This matchup pitted two of the best offenses in the state, each with its distinct style. Fulshear prefers a physical, grind-it-out approach, while Atascocita thrives on explosive plays. Their contrasting strategies delivered one of the most thrilling games of the season.
A Strong Start for Fulshear
Fulshear opened the game with a statement, marching down the field on a 12-play drive that included a fourth-down conversion from their own 28-yard line. Ryland Forks capped the drive with a four-yard touchdown run, and a successful two-point conversion put Fulshear up 8-0. The Chargers kept the momentum with a perfectly executed squib kick, recovering the ball at Atascocita’s 28-yard line. However, their second drive ended with a fourth-down stop by Atascocita’s defense, giving the Eagles a chance to respond.
Atascocita’s offense didn’t take long to make its mark. With just under four minutes left in the first quarter, Oklahoma commit Tory Blaylock broke loose for a 47-yard touchdown run. Fulshear’s offense reached Atascocita territory again on their next possession but was stopped on downs, leaving the score 8-7 at the end of the first quarter.
Trading Blows in the Second Quarter
Early in the second quarter, Blaylock struck again with a 55-yard touchdown run, giving Atascocita its first lead of the game. Fulshear responded with a quick drive highlighted by a long run from Patrick Broadway II. Zane Smith finished it with a 12-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 14.
Atascocita regained the lead moments later when quarterback Cardae Mack connected with CJ Toney on a 23-yard screen pass for a touchdown. Fulshear kept pace, converting three third downs on a methodical drive that ended with a seven-yard touchdown by Smith. A successful two-point conversion put Fulshear ahead 22-21 at halftime, setting the stage for a second half filled with fireworks.
A Back-and-Forth Battle
The third quarter turned into a duel between Zane Smith and Tory Blaylock. After Atascocita opened the half with a three-and-out, Fulshear capitalized with an 11-play drive capped by Smith’s third touchdown of the game. Atascocita responded three plays later, with Blaylock ripping off a 29-yard touchdown run. On the ensuing drive, Smith electrified the crowd with a 75-yard touchdown sprint, his fourth score of the game.
Atascocita refused to back down, and Blaylock answered with his fourth touchdown, a five-yard run to pull the Eagles within one. As the third quarter ended, Fulshear clung to a slim 36-35 lead, setting up a dramatic finish.
Atascocita Seals the Win
Early in the fourth, Fulshear drove deep into Atascocita territory but was stopped on fourth down inside the 10-yard line. Eight plays later, on fourth-and-20 from the Fulshear 29-yard line, Mack found Toney over the middle for a clutch touchdown, giving Atascocita a 41-36 lead with 7:17 remaining.
Fulshear answered with a creative trick play. On third-and-goal, Forks tossed the ball back to Broadway, who hit Damairus Froe in the end zone for the go-ahead score. A missed two-point conversion left the Chargers ahead 42-41 with less than three minutes to play.
Atascocita wasted no time regaining the lead. A long gain and a personal foul penalty moved the Eagles into Fulshear territory, and Blaylock delivered his fifth touchdown, a 14-yard run around the corner. Fulshear’s final chance to save their season ended when Forks’ fourth-down pass was intercepted by Kaden Anderson, sealing a 47-42 victory for Atascocita.
Looking Ahead
With the win, Atascocita advances to the regional final, where they will face rival North Shore in a much-anticipated rematch. Both teams bring high-powered offenses and championship ambitions, setting the stage for another thrilling playoff clash.
