Murchinson leads Eagles to lopsided playoff win
Atascocita senior defensive back DJ Murchinson is no stranger to being physical in practice — he knows it translates to game day, especially in the playoffs.
Murchinson showed off his practice skills with four interceptions as Atascocita defeated Dickinson 46-27 in a Class 6A Division I area playoff game Saturday at NRG Stadium.
“It was just practicing all week,” Murchinson said. “We just come out and play like we do in practice. We do this.”
Atascocita (11-1) will play Katy Tompkins (11-1) in a Class 6A Division I regional playoff game at 2 p.m. Saturday at NRG Stadium.
Dickinson ends the season 10-2.
The Eagles also blocked two punts and recovered a fumble in the game.
“We talk about playoff football a lot,” said Atascocita head coach Craig Stump. “A lot of time it comes down to turnovers and special teams. If you watch all of these games that are being played, usually someone is making play that changes the game.”
Murchinson returned an interception 39 yards for a touchdown on Dickinson’s third play from scrimmage.
“I knew he was running an out (route), so I sat on it,” said Murchinson on the pick-six. “I took it to the crib. We always want to be physical all the time the whole game.”
Stump wasn’t surprised to see Murchinson come up with big plays.
“He’s a good center fielder, and that’s what he was doing — seeing the quarterback’s eyes and come over the top and made a play on the ball,” Stump said. “I tell DBs all the time, if a quarterback throws you the ball, chances are he didn’t mean to, so you need to catch it.”
Senior quarterback Brice Matthews hit Dylan Robinson for a 10-yard touchdown pass.
Safety Devyn Brooks recovered a fumble that turned into points when Quincy Thompson scored on a 2-yard run.
“I think that brings energy to the offense when we make a play,” Brooks said. “We had a good week of practice, and it transferred to the field. It was a very physical game, and we came and handled our business. Practice helps us prepare for games like this.”
Dickinson quarterback Mike Welch ran in a 1-yard TD on fourth-and-goal for the Gators first points.
Murchinson ended a promising Dickinson drive with his second interception in the first quarter.
Kicker Sean Nesemier hit a 25-yard field goal to make it up 25-7 with 9:30 left in the second quarter.
Murchinson’s third interception turned into a 1-yard TD run by Thompson. His final interception came in the fourth quarter.
Matthews hit Robinson for a 69-yard touchdown to blow up the game as Atascocita took a 39-7 lead with 7:41 left in the third quarter.
The Gators scored for the first time since the first quarter when Welch hit Darryl Harris for a touchdown on their first drive in the third quarter.
Welch rushed for another QB sneak at the 1-yard line for the Dickinson’s last points of the season.