Grandview Zebras gallop past Pottsboro in high scoring, back and forth area playoff game
The Zebras are galloping into the regional round of the Texas high school football playoffs after coming out on top in an instant classic.
Grandview’s (11-1) defense stepped up in the second half of a hectic, offensive ballgame to defeat Pottsboro (9-3) 56-42 Thursday at Memorial Stadium in Mesquite, Texas. Grandview, in the regional round, will face the winner of the Malakoff and Mount Vernon game that kicks off at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.
Grandview head coach Ryan Ebner said he had a feeling the game would be a shootout and mentioned that Pottsboro running back Major McBride, who finished with 299 yards and 4 touchdowns, is an “unbelievable player.”
“Not taking away from anybody else on the team,” Ebner said. “They’re all great players. It just makes it that much harder, but he’s a very special player.”
Both teams were tied at 35 heading into halftime of a highlight filled first half. Grandview’s defensive adjustments were the difference maker and allowed the Zebras to get the timely stops necessary to pull away.
“We went with some more man coverage to try to get some more guys in the box,” Ebner said. “And so just fill it up as much as we could, honestly, because we knew five (McBride) was the guy, especially in a tight game like that. We felt like they would feed him.”
Ebner said his team has made tremendous strides since the beginning of the season. They entered the playoffs as the Star-Telegram’s No. 1 ranked Class 4A/3A Fort Worth-area team.
“We had five returning starters but a couple of them went to new positions,” Ebner said. “We had a lot of sophomores and juniors that didn’t have a lot of experience.”
Ebner said the team has to “make big plays at big times” to succeed as the playoffs continue.
“Everybody’s gonna be good,” Ebner said. “Every single game is going to be a battle, so you’re gonna have to compete for four hard quarters. Every single play is gonna have to be the most meaningful play of the season.”
An electric first half
Pottsboro took an early lead with a 43 yard touchdown from running back Major McBride, who broke a tackle en route to the score. Grandview, in a 17 play drive, responded with a 13 yard passing touchdown from quarterback Ryder Hayes to wide receiver Carter Collins.
The Cardinals took the lead back in a jiffy with a 58 yard touchdown reception from wide receiver Evan Roden. When the Zebras got the ball back, they fumbled on the second play of the drive.
Pottsboro capitalized, taking a 21-7 lead over the Zebras with a 1 yard score from McBride. Grandview got the ball back; after a 60 yard kick return by Anthoney Berrones, Hayes cut into the lead with a 30 yard passing touchdown to Collins.
The Zebra defense, however, couldn’t stop the Cardinal offense. Quarterback Cayden Humphrey found Zavier Brady for a 37 yard touchdown.
Although Grandview’s defense was struggling, the offense kept putting up points. Hayes connected with Jaleal Allen for a 32 yard touchdown.
Pottsboro was in the middle of a promising drive when disaster struck for the Cardinals, who were facing 4th-and-1. The snap sailed over Humphrey’s head and it was recovered by Berrones, who returned it for a touchdown that almost tied the game with 4:52 remaining in the first half. The PAT was missed.
“He’s a great player for us,” Ebner said of Berrones. “We’ve counted on him to do a lot of different things offensively and defensively. We put a lot of pressure on him. He always rises to the occasion.”
The game did not stay tied for long. McBride rushed for a 46 yard score, breaking tackles and hitting a spin move en route to the end zone.
The Zebras needed a score to head into halftime without facing a deficit. It was 4th-and-15, and Collins was wide open for a 35 yard touchdown, his third of the game; the Zebras went for the 2-point conversion and Berrones tied the game with a reception.
Zebra’s seal the deal with timely stops
Grandview finally had the upper hand, receiving the ball to start the second half. They couldn’t capitalize and punted away. Pottsboro took back the lead with another touchdown from McBride, who found the end zone for the fourth time.
Hayes tied the game with 10-yard touchdown to Allen, who made a contested catch on an out route. The Zebra defense then delivered their first stop of the game, forcing a Cardinal punt.
Running back Casey Cannon was given seven touches in the ensuing drive and he delivered, capping it with a 14-yard touchdown. For the first time in the game, the Zebras took the lead with 9:07 remaining in the game.
“We stuck with the run game,” Hayes said. “You know, we didn’t abandon it just because it wasn’t working at the beginning. And we knew the run game was going to end up getting us points on the board.”
The defense needed a stop. Safety Easton Ebner, the son of head coach Ryan Ebner, intercepted a pass. The takeaway was critical, especially given the offensive nature of the game.
Ryan Ebner said he was proud of his son’s clutch takeaway.
“As a coach, you’re extremely relieved and proud,” Ryan Ebner said. “But as a dad, you’re even prouder because your son’s able to contribute in a big moment.”
Ryan Ebner said it’s tough at times to coach his son and mentioned it makes the home life a bit tougher at times. He added that he works hard, listens to coaching and handles every situation with class.
“I just hope he appreciates this time as much as I do,” Ebner said.
The offense did not score, but the special teams unit had their back. The Zebra punt was pinned at the 1-yard line.
With poor field position, Pottsboro could not get away from the end zone and needed a score; they turned the ball over on downs and the Zebras got the easy 1 yard score to secure the win.
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