Justin Northwest and Haltom hoping special seasons continue past this week
Justin Northwest head coach Bill Poe had a feeling this season might be one to remember before it even kicked off.
“We’re excited especially with the number of returners coming back. It’s a special group and they’re ready to make this a special season,” Poe said in August.
The Texans hope there is still plenty of magic left.
Northwest improved to 10-2 after a 48-14 win over El Paso Burges in the area round last week, which clinched a spot in the regional round for the first time in program history.
The Texans look to keep the run going when they face No. 7 Lubbock Cooper (12-0) in the 5A Division II regional round, 4 p.m. Friday at Abilene Christian University.
In Northwest’s latest win, Austin Ahmad was 27-of-37 for 319 yards and 3 TDs on Friday while Montana State commit DeMareus Hosey rushed 24 times for 92 yards and 2 TDs. Quentin Lee caught all three scores along with 195 yards on 12 catches. Cooper McDonald added a pick-six.
The 10 wins matched a school record with the 2016 team, which won the program’s first-ever playoff game. Prior to 2016, the Texans were 0-8 in playoff games. They also won the district title this season, a first in 56 years.
NORTHWEST
Points For 579
Per game 48.3
Points Allowed 218
Per game 18.2
Rushing per game 199
Passing per game 239
Total per game 438
Total touchdowns 79
Total interceptions 21
Total takeaways 34
Quarterback Austin Ahmad: 2,697 passing, 39 TDs
Running back DeMareus Hosey: 1,773 rushing, 26 TDs
Wide receiver Quentin Lee: 940 receiving, 18 TDs
Interceptions: Devin Steptoe, 4
Fumble recoveries: Cooper McDonald, 4
Kicker Blake Kaercher: 64 of 65 PATs, 8 of 12 on field goals
Keeping the theme of special years, one would be hard-pressed to find anyone else enjoying their season more than the undefeated Haltom Buffalos, who beat Midland Lee 42-27 in the area round.
The win pushed the Buffs’ record to 12-0, setting a school record for wins in a season.
Haltom clinched a spot in the 6A Division II regional round, a first since 1993 and can grab a berth into the state quarterfinals for the first time when it plays Hebron (8-4) at 2 p.m. Saturday at Apogee Stadium in Denton.
Michael Black was 17 of 29 for 358 yards and 4 TDs. Receivers Decorian Mitchell caught five passes for 174 yards and three scores while Julian Johnson added seven catches, 125 yards and one score.
Four defenders made 11 or more tackles led by 12 from both Keyon Shannon and Justo Perez, and the Buffs recorded four sacks and two picks from Shannon and Johnny Smith-Rider.
Haltom is also coming off an undefeated district title winning regular season for the first time in 21 years.
HALTOM
Points For 575
Per game 47.9
Points Allowed 278
Per game 23.2
Rushing per game 271
Passing per game 208
Total per game 479
Total touchdowns 76
Total interceptions 19
Total takeaways 32
Quarterback Michael Black: 2,315 passing, 1,391 rushing, 44 total TDs
Running back Kenneth Cormier: 1,087 rushing, 11 TDs
Wide receiver Decorian Mitchell: 966 receiving, 12 TDs; Julian Johnson: 910 receiving, 10 TDs
Interceptions: Keyon Shannon, 7
Fumble recoveries: Johnny Smith-Rider, 4
Kicker Andres Alaniz: 63 of 70 PATs, 12 of 18 on field goals
This story was originally published November 26, 2018 at 3:04 PM.