Just over three years ago, Mansfield Legacy was experiencing the school’s longest run in the UIL football playoffs.
That ended in a resounding 48-0 defeat at the hands of Highland Park.
Mansfield Legacy is again on its deepest run in the playoffs, extended by a 42-10 victory over Frisco Wakeland last week in the third round.
Again, the opponent will be Highland Park – again in AT&T Stadium – and an injury at the quarterback position could again have a significant impact on the Broncos’ fortunes.
Legacy (11-2) meets Highland Park (11-2) at 5:30 p.m. Friday in the Class 5A Division I state quarterfinals.
Back in 2013, Legacy quarterback Terrance Ivery, who would sign with Tulsa two months later, was injured in the week prior to the meeting with Highland Park. Last week, Broncos quarterback Kendall Catalon left the game at halftime with a shoulder injury.
The senior’s status for this week will likely be a game-time decision.
“I hope he hasn’t played his last down, because he’s a great kid and I know he wants to be out there with his teammates,” Legacy coach Chris Melson said.
Catalon was a freshman and practice squad player during that 2013 playoff run. None of the players on the current Broncos roster played against Highland Park, so for this team revenge isn’t really a factor.
“It’s another playoff game just bringing the same thing to the plate,” Catalon said, while recognizing the Scots’ impressive tradition, which includes 22 consecutive playoff appearances. “Highland Park is a team everybody wants to try to beat.”
Catalon is being vigilant with his rehab, hoping to continue a season that has seen him throw for 30 touchdowns while rushing for 15 more. He has more than 100 combined passing and rushing TDs in his career at Legacy.
“[This week has] been interesting,” he said. “Since being a freshman you’ve been waiting. Every high school player dreams of playing at the Cowboys’ stadium. We have that chance facing a good team.
“There’s going to be a good crowd there. It’s really going to be physical and mentally one of the toughest games we’ve played.”
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