By Tucker Stephenson
ARLINGTON — The Jim Ned Indians overcame a huge deficit — plus a historic performance by Hallettsville’s Jonathon Brooks — to grab their own slice of gridiron glory Thursday night during a thrilling primetime matchup for the Class 3A Division I state championship.
The Indians sealed the first state title in program history with a 2-point try in overtime that resulted in an electrifying 29-28 victory at AT&T Stadium. Tate Yardley’s conversion pass to Zach Henderson in the back corner of the end zone thwarted Brooks’ bid to carry the Brahmas to 3A DI’s ultimate prize despite rushing for 299 yards, which is a state title game record.
“I still can’t speak,” Henderson said after the game. “It’s just crazy to think that we did it — we won state.”
Jim Ned (13-1) rallied from down 21-0 in the first half to force an extra session, but Brooks gave the Brahmas (13-2) a 28-21 lead after jogging into the end zone from 4 yards away on the first possession of OT.
True to form, the Indians kept grinding and continued to push forward. Xavier Wishert, who put Jim Ned on his back during its entire postseason run, bulldozed his way across the goal line from 17 yards out to help the Indians pull within one and set up a huge decision for head coach Matt Fanning.
The Indians chose to go for the ultimate gamble, and after Hallettsville jumped offsides, Yardley fired a perfect strike to Henderson that will go down in Jim Ned lore.
“Just elation,” Fannig said of his emotions following the win. “I’m just really excited for our young men and the will and the effort they put forth all year long and the way they compete. We were willing to roll the dice, and we trust our kids.”
Brooks, who was named the game’s Offensive MVP, opened the game with a 56-yard touchdown burst and later found the end zone on a 2-yard jaunt as the Brahmas seized a 21-0 lead with 5:19 to go before halftime.
In serious need of a boost, Jim Ned saw Henderson haul in a 35-yard TD toss from Yardley to break up the shutout and give the Indians their first taste of success heading into the locker room.
The Indians emerged for the second half determined and pulled closer on a second consecutive 35-yard scoring pass from Yardley to Henderson. Following a series of empty possessions, Jim Ned knotted the score at 21-all when Yardley fired his third TD strike of the evening, which was wrestled out of the air by Braden Lewis.
Hallettsville had one final chance to win in regulation, but Jim Ned’s defense stood tall and tackled quarterback Trace Patek in bounds as time expired.
The Indians bounced back from one final deficit, as Wishert led the offense to the end zone in OT and the Yardley-to-Henderson combination worked its magic one last time.
Wishert also added 12 tackles on defense en route to earning MVP honors on that side of the ball.
“As a whole team, we did phenomenally,” Wishert said. “We wouldn’t have won this football game without all these guys right here. We’re such a blessed team.”
Wishert ran for 195 yards and a TD on 35 carries in addition to his defensive duties, which included keeping two eyes on Brooks all game long. Yardley was 6 for 16 passing for 137 yards and three scores, while Henderson hauled in two passes for 70 yards and two TDs.
