Eagles roll into third straight semifinals trip
COLUMBUS — Second Baptist is returning to the state semifinals.
The Eagles earned a spot in the semis of the TAPPS Division II playoffs for the third consecutive season with a 49-14 victory against Austin St. Michael’s on Saturday afternoon atMemorial Stadium.
“We’re not trying to outscheme people every game,” Second Baptist coach Terry Pirtle said. “We’re just doing what we do.”
They’ll do it against a familiar foe in the final four.
Austin Regents beat Fort Bend Christian for its return to the semis— where it ousted Second Baptist each of the last two years.
“This will be the third year with Regents, and we have not played our best in either of the first two games,” Pirtle said. “This year, we have a little bit different attitude. I know our guys are ready, and they’ve worked hard to get back to this spot, so I’m excited about next week, that’s for sure.”
But that is a worry for Monday after a celebration worthy win.
Running back Eli Smith, who rushed for 120 yards and three touchdowns on 21 carries, started the party with a one-yard touchdown run for an early advantage on the game’s opening possession.
He added a 17-yard scoring run in the second quarter, and his three-yard touchdown in the third
gave Second Baptist a 35-7 lead. The Eagles were up 28-7 at halftime, and defensive back Hank Huthnance’s
41-yard pick-six after Smith’s final score made it 42-7, effectively ending St. Michael’s season.
The game featured a running clock in the fourth quarter.
“Eli had three touchdowns this week, and Everett (Skillern) had three last week,” Pirtle said. “It’s always someone different, which is what’s great about our team. (Quarterback) Finn (Nicholson) had a nice game (Saturday) throwing the football … (and) the offensive line did a great job, too.”
Nicholson finished 9of-14 for 120 yards, two TDs and one interception.
Skillern completed a 41yard pass on a trick play, setting up Smith’s second score, and he also rushed for a score and caught two passes. Michael DiCecco and Hank Harris supplied the receiving touchdowns.
Second Baptist finished with 355 total yards — it had 298 at halftime — and16 first downs.
St. Michael’s had 170 yards and nine first downs.
Now the Eagles can turn their attention to redemption, and hopefully earning a spot in the championship game at Waco Midway.
“Our guys have accomplished some really good stuff, but without winning this game next week, who cares?” Pirtle said. “This is the game we’ve looked toward, and we want to do a good job of competing next weekend.”