Playoffs bringing high-scoring games

By Jared L. Christopher

Special to the Star-Telegram

There were plenty of memorable playoff moments for area high school football teams this past weekend.

With its win over Kilgore in the Class 3A Division I state semifinal, Stephenville is on the cusp of its first state championship since the Art Briles era.

Nolan Catholic won the TAPPS Division I state championship over Trinity Christian-Addison with a field goal as time expired.

On the flip side, Birdville came up short in its 4A Division I quarterfinal matchup against Guyer, the Hawks' first loss of the season.

Southlake Carroll's season ended against DeSoto, inches short of a touchdown as the final seconds elapsed.

DeSoto 49, Southlake Carroll 45

Quarterback Kenny Hill willed his team to the brink of victory, rushing for five touchdowns and throwing for another but was stuffed at the goal line on three consecutive attempts as time expired.

Hill's outstretched arm fell inches short, ending the Dragons' attempt for back-to-back state championships.

"They went out with Kenny Hill and you're supposed to do that with your best player," DeSoto coach Claude Mathis said. "That was their stud. We have them too, and you're supposed to put it in the hands of your stud."

Carroll coach Hal Wasson never second-guessed the decision.

"Obviously we didn't get in, but if I had it to do over again, I'd put it in Kenny's hands again," Wasson said.

Denton Guyer 52, Birdville 42

Birdville's undefeated season ended at the hands of Guyer and its quarterback, Jerrod Heard.

A Texas commitment, Heard had his way with the Hawks defense, accounting for 335 yards of total offense and five touchdowns.

Birdville's offense fought to stay in the game, scoring more points on Guyer than any other 4A team had all season.

"We played as hard as we could," Hawks quarterback Justin Martin said. "We tried to do everything to win but unfortunately we came up short. We had a great season."

Nolan Catholic 48, Addison Trinity Christian 45

Kicker McCaleb Taylor booted two second-half field goals, the second a 26-yarder in the final seconds as the Vikings earned their fourth TAPPS Division I state title in five years.

"The kicking game is what won it for us," Nolan Catholic coach Joe Prud'homme said.

Prud'homme's son, quarterback Joseph Prud'homme, accounted for 304 yards.

Stephenville 42, Kilgore 32

Quarterback Tyler Jones rushed for 111 yards and four touchdowns, and threw for 297 yards and a score to lead the Yellow Jackets to atitle game for the first time since 1999.

Stephenville will face undefeated El Campo in the championship game at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington.

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