IOWA PARK, Texas — Heading into the quarterfinal contest against Albany, the Muenster Hornets scored an average of 56.2 points per game, and topped opponents by an average scoring margin of 51.5 points per outing. Both of these stats weren’t applicable in the showdown with the Lions, with Muenster even trailing for the first time all season.
Star quarterback Parker McGrew came through again however, putting the Hornets back on top in the third with a 69-yard dash which ultimately proved to be the game winner, advancing to the next round with a 28-12 win at Hawk Stadium Friday night.
Muenster opened the scoring at the 2:38 mark in the first quarter, with a one yard punch by Clay Stevens. Albany would respond with a one yard run of their own by Brian Hamilton, however the failed extra kick attempt kept the Hornets on top 7-6 heading into halftime.
The Lions accomplished what no other team before them this season has, pulling ahead with a 16 yard pass from Hamilton to Cameron Dacus at the 7:46 mark in the third quarter, though with a failed two-point attempt — immediately after however, the Hornets responded on McGrew’s explosive run.
The junior signal-caller padded the score in the fourth quarter, tossing a 12-yard pass to Danny Lutmer. Stevens rounded out the scoring with his second on the night, a 20 yard run with 1:40 left in the game.
Albany completed more passing yards than the Hornets in the contest — 221 to 86 — but the game was won for Muenster on the ground: The Hornets outgained their opponent in this category 160 to 27, while tallying three scores on the ground. McGrew finished the night with 106 yards rushing on 17 carries, while Stevens recorded 50 yards on the ground.
Hamilton performed well in the air for Albany, completing 14 passes for 221 yards and a touchdown. Adam Faith was the beneficiary of most of Hamilton’s passes, hauling in seven for 114 yards.
Muenster is one game away from playing for a state title, and will now challenge the always potent Wellington Skyrockets, winners of their quarterfinal round contest against Clarendon in a 33-0 shutout. The two teams will meet in Vernon next Thursday, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
Albany earns their first undefeated regular season since 2014, but is shut out of the state title game. They finish their season at 13-1.
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