For Iraan the road to AT&T Stadium was a tumultuous and emotional journey. With much of the Texas High Cchool football community rallying behind Iraan after the tragic accident that occurred about two weeks ago resulting in the death of a cheer sponsor and injuries to several cheerleaders, this day was much more than a football matchup. Despite a valiant effort, Iraan was defeated by 49-28 Bremond in the 2A Division II State Final.
The toll of emotions that had hit the Iraan community was draining but Iraan made the journey to Arlington where they managed to keep within striking distance of Bremond for the better part of the first half.
Bremond had jumped out to an early lead but Kyle O’Bannon was able to put Iraan’s first points of the game on the scoreboard down 14-7 with over 11 minutes in the second quarter remaining. Bremond, who was led by the most successful Texas High School football player of all time, Roshauud Paul, scored at the 8:59 mark to increase their lead to go up 21-7.
Not willing to have this game get out of reach before the half, Daryel Lozoya capped off a 14-play drive that went for 76 yards spanning over seven minutes to have Irann facing a 21-14 deficit heading into intermission that was preserved by defensive back Corley Collins as he picked off Roshauud Paul’s attempt to his receiver in the end zone.
But Bremond’s offense would prove too much for Iraan as they would begin to falter to Bremond and the rushing attack led by Roshauud Paul. With a lead at 28-21 in the third quarter, Bremond would begin to pour it on Iraan and went up 49-21 well into the fourth quarter, that eventually lead to the win.
Iraan head coach Mark Kirchhoff was nonetheless proud of his group of boys and how they have responded well to adversity in the past couple of days.
“We’ve been through a lot from the non-district schedule through the playoff bracket and then the phenomenal response of the entire state of Texas last week with the situation we were in and at Shotwell Stadium… those kids have literally given me everything I’ve ever asked from them. Just to see so how much good is in the world because I think we focus on the negative sometime and the response we’ve got statewide has been just amazing!”
Iraan completes its season at 15-1.
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