2A Team of the Week: Axtell Longhorns
Axtell headed into its district showdown against Italy knowing a win would allow the Longhorns to jump the Gladiators in the district standings.
However, any victory wouldn’t come easy as Italy entered the game as 15-point favorites.
The Longhorns looked to be in a promising position up 14-0 after scoring on the first play of the fourth quarter.
Not content to let their unbeaten district record end without a fight, Italy rallied back with two late touchdowns, including a 56-yard touchdown from Jalyn Wallace to Gared Wood down the sideline with just 49 seconds left.
But after Italy’s long touchdown, Axtell had one last play up its sleeve. With just nine seconds remaining, Axtell quarterback Coldyn Horn found Christopher Gacayan behind the Italy defense for the game-winning 56-yard touchdown.
It was a dramatic victory that all but sealed Axtell’s first playoff berth since 2018.
Next up on the schedule for Axtell will be a visit from Cross Roads on Oct. 28 after the Longhorns’ bye week this week.
Previous 2A Winners
Week Two: Boys Ranch
Week Three: Shiner
Week Four: Hawley
Week Five: Kerens
Week Six: Santo
Week Seven: Tolar
CLICK HERE to listen to the Texas HS Football Podcast, with Taylor Arenz
