Texas High
LAST WEEK: The Tigers upset fifthranked Lufkin, 41-35, in double overtime for Texas High’s first playoff win since 2009.
THIS WEEK: Texas High (7-4) hosts Frisco Independence (9-2) in a Class 5A, Div. I area game Friday at Tiger Stadium in Grim Park.
OFFENSIVE STANDOUTS: WR Kobe Webster had three touchdowns among his seven catches for 126 yards, including the game-tying scores at the end of regulation and in the first OT. QB Rian Cellers connected on 14-of32 passes for 264 yards, three TDs
and one interception, and RB Tracy Cooper rushed 19 times for 87 yards and a score. Cellers had a rushing touchdown, as did Braylon Stewart for the go-ahead TD in the second overtime. Cooper also had three catches for 51 yards.
DEFENSIVE STANDOUTS: The Tiger defense forced three turnovers, including a victory-sealing interception by Caleb Arnold. Matt Arnold caused and recovered a fumble just before halftime to thwart a Panther scoring opportunity, and LaJontae Wrightner also had a pick. Wrightner and the Arnolds each had six tackles. NG Trestin Whitehead led the defense with 13 tackles, including eight solos and five for a loss. LB Javarous Tyson had 11 tackles, and DE Clayton Smith had eight tackles with two for loss and two more sacks. Marquavius Fisher also had eight tackles, and LB Jackson Halter contributed six stops.
COACH GERRY STANFORD’S COMMENTS: “Our gameplan was a big part of what we did, but I think our kids’ effort was the biggest part of what we did against Lufkin. There’s a lot of confidence and a lot of energy; there’s a great vibe around our community and our school district about how our kids are playing at a high level.
“We think we can keep going. We have another big test this week, but we’re excited to be where we are and have the opportunity to be playing at home in the second round.”