ARLINGTON, Texas- The Cy-Fair Bobcats were making their first appearance in the state title game and simply put, it was dominant. Cy-Fair used a strong defensive performance to take down Waco Midway 51-35 to capture the Class 6A Division II State Title.
The first half was all in favor of Cy-Fair as they controlled every facet of the game and it came to fruition on the scoreboard as they entered the half with a sizable 27-7 lead.
“We didn’t expect it to be like this but all we knew was if we came out and we worked hard and played hard, we would get the win,” said Cy-Fair running back and offensive MVP Trenton Kennedy, “It’s a great feeling.”
Cy-Fair running back Trenton Kennedy (43) was named the Offensive MVP of the game after rushing for 110 yards and three touchdowns. (Charlton Gladden/TexasHSFootball)
Kennedy finished the night with 110 rushing yards and three touchdowns with his night. He got to work early after a three-and-out by Waco Midway on their opening drive, carrying the ball five times on the Bobcats first drive. After a 16-yard rush on third down, Kennedy would later punch it in from two yards out to give Cy-Fair an early 7-0 lead.
After another Midway stop, the Bobcats would add a 21-yard field goal from Max Duque to make it 10-0 lead later in the first quarter and it wouldn’t end there. Following a 36-yard return by Christian Richmond to the Panther 11, the Bobcats had a short field that led to a three-yard touchdown run from quarterback Cam Arnold to make it 17-0.
Facing gut check time, Waco Midway flexed their muscle thanks to quarterback Tanner Mordecai and wide receiver Dart Smith. Mordecai dropped back and saw Smith in single coverage downfield and launched a deep pass that hit Smith in stride for a 48-yard score that put the Panthers on the board late in the half.
With momentum finally on their side, the Panthers defense stopped Cy-Fair on their ensuing drive to force a punt and give Mordecai and company a chance to cut into the lead before halftime.
Cy-Fair cornerback Kyle Bell (15) forced two fumbles in the win over Waco Midway on Saturday night. (Gordon DeLoach/TexasHSFootball)
However, Midway would soon see things fall apart. A bad snap went over Mordecai’s head and into the end zone, resulting in a scuffle that saw Cy-Fair cornerback Kyle Bell recover the ball for a touchdown. From that point on, Cy-Fair refused to let up on the brakes and dominated their way to a 44-7 lead going into the fourth quarter.
“We’re proud of them. Our defense is very well coached, they do what they are coached to do and they do it with a violent effort,” said Cy-Fair head coach Ed Pustejovksy, “As far as the discipline part of it, we stress that from Day One. We believe in commitment, being accountable, responsible, working hard and doing things right. Obviously, it paid off for us tonight.”
Cy-Fair scored 24 points off turnovers including Trenton Kennedy’s 3-yard run and his 17-yard run in the third quarter which both came off consecutive fumbled kick returns by Waco Midway.
The Bobcats recovered 4 fumbles to deliver a suffocating effort on defense with Cody Cunningham reaping the defensive MVP honors.
Cy-Fair fans celebrate their first state championship in school history with a win over Waco Midway. (Gordon DeLoach/TexasHSFootball)
“The other 10 guys, they are just as deserving of this as what I am so I’m very honored for this,” claimed Cunningham. “I did what needed to be done and nothing more. I went out there and just played fundamental football…I’m happy and I don’t know what else to say.”
Trying to make a rally, Waco Midway would rattle off 28 points in the fourth quarter behind Tanner Mordecai and wide receiver CJ Williams. Williams had three touchdown receptions in the fourth quarter made the game a bit more interesting with 4:24 left to play and a 44-28 score.
Justin Uriarte’s 48-yard kick return for a touchdown following Midway’s onside kick attempt would put the game on ice however as that sealed Cy-Fair’s bid for a state title.
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