5A Team of the Week: Angleton Wildcats
Angleton was not about to be denied with its first regional final appearance in seven years at its fingertips.
Trailing College Station by six, the Wildcats put together a 10-play, 75-yard drive.
With just 16 seconds to go, they got the breakthrough they needed.
Wildcat quarterback Bryce Duron floated it up to J’Shun Sanders for the game-tying 16-yard touchdown. Kicker Ivan Rodriguez then converted the extra point. That was the eventual difference in a thrilling 35-34 win for the Wildcats.
Touchdown Angleton! @BryceDuron12 hits @JShunSanders for the touchdown!!!
With 36 seconds remaining:@PurpleReignFB– 35@TheCougarWay– 34@texashsfootball #txhsfb pic.twitter.com/M7th9wFo1R
— Matt Holcomb (@MattyIceMAH) November 30, 2024
“The last drive shows the resiliency of our football team. We had several third and long situations, and we had different players make plays in those big situations,” Angleton head coach Jason Brittain said. “I am incredibly proud of their fight and refusal to let this playoff run end. Our community and program are extremely excited to have the Wildcats back in the Regional Finals for the first time since 2017.”
Duron and Sanders linked up all night. Duron threw for 267 yards and three touchdowns, while Sanders led the Wildcats with nine catches for 156 yards and two touchdowns. Nicholas Jackson also had a touchdown catch for the Wildcats.
Their attack was far from one dimensional. Jamarcus Shockley operated as the Wildcats’ bell cow on the night. He racked up 102 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries.
Defensively, Ryland Brown and Maurice Hightower each had forced fumbles.
Now, Angleton finds itself in a familiar situation. Brittain pointed out in 2017, the Wildcats beat district foe Foster at NRG Stadium in the regional final to advance to the state semifinals.
On Saturday, the Wildcats will look to repeat that feat when they take on La Porte at NRG at 2:00.
Previous 5A Teams of the Week
Week One: Sherman
Week Two: La Joya Juarez-Lincoln
Week Three: Seguin
Week Four: Corpus Christi Carroll
Week Five: Leander
Week Six: Lovejoy
Week Seven: Mansfield Summit
Week Eight: Abilene Wylie
Week Nine: Paschal
Week Ten: Walnut Grove
Week Eleven: Milby
Bi-District: Saginaw
Area: Frisco Reedy
