Burleson Centennial defense holds off Dallas Parish Episcopal 35-26

BURLESON -- All week long Burleson Centennial coach Kyle Geller talked about having never coached against a double wing offense before.

After the first quarter of the Spartans' nondistrict game against Dallas Parish Episcopal, you could hardly tell the difference.

Centennial's defense stymied the Panthers' unique style in helping the Spartans (6-2-1) to a 21-0 lead, then held on for a 35-26 victory Thursday at Burleson Stadium.

After the defense scored on a fumble recovery three plays into the game, Shawn Brown dropped Episcopal's Tre Vance for a loss on fourth down at the Panthers' 31. Two plays later, DeMarcus Williams scored from 32 yards out for a 14-0 lead.

Williams finished the game with 17 carries for 82 yards and three touchdowns.

Episcopal (7-2), the defending TAPPS Division II state champion, scored late in the first half on a 13-yard run by Vance to slice the lead to 28-8 at halftime. Before that drive, the Panthers had gained 33 yards on 26 plays.

After a scoreless third quarter, Episcopal scored on a 22-yard pass from Jeff Davis to Colton Uzelac that cut Centennial's lead to 28-14 with 8:07 to play in the game. After a blocked punt, Vance scored on a 9-yard run to cut the advantage to 28-20.

After Episcopal's onside kick failed, Williams took a screen pass from Tanner Hodges on third-and-14 and ran 46 yards for a touchdown and a 35-20 lead.

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