Dramatic late game turnovers brought Atascocita back from the brink of elimination to shock Houston Lamar 28-27 Friday evening at NRG Stadium.
The Lamar offense dictated nearly the entire game. After catching a few tough breaks in the first two quarters, the Texans came out of the break and scored three straight touchdowns to take a commanding 27-14 lead into the fourth quarter. Lamar’s steady and balanced attack spotlighted running back Ta’Zhawn Henry and quarterback Owen Holt. Henry ran up and down the field at will, racking up 216 yards on the ground and two touchdowns on his way to a seven yards per carry average. Holt manned the passing game, throwing for 247 yards and two touchdowns. Holt shined his brightest on third down, but one ill-fated heave on third and long would turn the trajectory of the game on its head. Atascocita head coach Craig Stump set up how the most pivotal play of the game would unfold.
-
- November 25, 2016 – Atascocita lines up for an extra point in the second half during the regional semi-final round of the 6A Div. I playoff game between Atascocita and Lamar at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. Atascocita defeats Lamar 28-27 to go to the Regional finals at NRG next Friday. (Image Credit: John Glaser)
-
- November 25, 2016 – Lamar running back Ta’zhawn Henry (1) breaks free for a long game in the second half during the regional semi-final round of the 6A Div. I playoff game between Atascocita and Lamar at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. Atascocita defeats Lamar 28-27 to go to the Regional finals at NRG next Friday. (Image Credit: John Glaser)
-
- November 25, 2016 – Lamar wide receiver Kase Rogers (3) races down the sideline in the second half during the regional semi-final round of the 6A Div. I playoff game between Atascocita and Lamar at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. Atascocita defeats Lamar 28-27 to go to the Regional finals at NRG next Friday. (Image Credit: John Glaser)
-
- November 25, 2016 – Lamar and Atascocita scrum for a fumble in the end zone that was eventually ruled a touchback during the regional semi-final round of the 6A Div. I playoff game between Atascocita and Lamar at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Image Credit: John Glaser)
-
- November 25, 2016 – Lamar running back Ta’zhawn Henry (1) gets upended in the first half during the regional semi-final round of the 6A Div. I playoff game between Atascocita and Lamar at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Image Credit: John Glaser)
-
- Final score Atascoctia 28 vs Lamar 27
“We’re down by six points and we’ve got to have something happen” Coach Stump explained. “We hadn’t stopped them on third down all night. They had over 500 yards, but that doesn’t matter. It’s about the next play. Somebody gets a tipped ball, it falls into somebody’s hands and that’s what happened.”
That “somebody” was Atascocita defensive back Alex Morris. With just over three minutes left in the fourth quarter, Morris came through with a season-saving 46-yard interception return for a touchdown to put the Eagles on top 28-27. Morris was listed as a wide receiver on the team’s official roster. His soft hands and offensive background were immensely instrumental at his new position. Atascocita head coach Craig Stump talked about Morris’ impactful transition from wideout to defensive back.
“He’s been playing offense all year and we moved him to defense a few weeks ago” Coach Stump said of his budding defensive star. “He’s an athletic kid and is learning his way. Tonight the ball fell right there, but you gotta catch it and you gotta run. It’s about making those plays when you get the opportunity.”
Lamar got the ball back with a chance to reclaim the lead, but “Angel of Death” Alex Morris appeared once more with the game on the line. With 2:25 remaining in the game, Lamar quarterback Owen Holt completed what would have been a huge conversion on 4th & 6 to wide receiver Kase Rogers. Instead, Rogers fumbled and Morris recovered to ice the game for the Eagles. Darian Taylor’s block of a Lamar extra point early in the fourth quarter would prove to be the difference in the game.
Atascocita was dependent on the big play to score even before Morris’ interception. Eagles quarterback Daveon Boyd was 12-19 passing with 223 yards and two touchdowns. Both of Boyd’s touchdowns came on one play drives of 58 and 74 yards. Atascocita running back Decarlos Demmerritte saw reduced responsibility as he picked up only 37 yards on 11 carries.
Atascocita’s climactic comeback has earned them a trip to the 6A Division I Region III Final. The game will be a rematch against District 21-6A foe Galena Park North Shore. The Eagles and Mustangs will face off Friday, December 2 at 7 p.m. at the increasingly familiar confines of NRG Stadium.
Brought to you by:
