Haltom gets timely stop in thriller to beat South Grand Prairie, inch closer to playoffs
District 8-6A is among the most competitive in Texas high school football, and six teams are fighting for playoff spots and positioning.
Two of those teams are Haltom and South Grand Prairie, and they faced off on Oct. 31 at Birdville FA/AC. SGP had control of the ball with a chance to take a late lead in the game’s final moments, but Haltom got a timely stop to secure a 23-21 victory.
Haltom head coach Jason Tucker credited defensive coordinator Mike Swan and his unit for a great job closing the game.
“I’m super proud of those guys,” Tucker said. “Last week, our defense, we gave up a lot of points, and to see those guys come out and get a huge stop when we really needed it … was just huge. It’s good for our confidence.”
With the win, Haltom (5-4, 4-2) is close to clinching a playoff spot for the first time since the 2020 season. The Buffs now control their destiny and can clinch with a week 11 win over Arlington Sam Houston (2-6, 1-4).
Tucker said it’s been a slow process trying to get Haltom back to prominence and had to deal with some obstacles such as COVID-19 and a winless 2022 season. Tucker credited Birdville ISD Executive Director of Athletics Barry Norton and Superintendent Gayle Stinson for trusting the process.
“They trusted how we treat our kids,” Tucker said. “Even through those lean years, they fought hard. They did well. And last year, I really felt us coming out of that funk.”
A loss from both Arlington Lamar and Martin in week 10 will also secure Haltom a spot. Still, the Buffaloes are electing to focus on what they can control.
“We don’t have to worry about that now,” Tucker said. “We need to take care of business next week. With a win, we’re definitely in.”
After a Haltom fumble in the first quarter, SGP (6-3, 4-2) started the scoring with a 10-play drive ended by a six-yard rush from running back Josiah Lucas. It appeared the Buffaloes would bounce back when another fumble fizzled the drive.
This time, SGP was unable to capitalize, punting away to Haltom. The Buffs, in the second quarter, did a better job of protecting the football and got on the scoreboard with a flurry of runs from Vurdico Roberson and Keenan Jackson -- the latter notched a 13-yard scoring scamper.
“We really like our running attack,” Tucker said. “If one of our backs is having a tough time, usually we can get the other guy going. If they aren’t getting the yards, both of those guys are great at blocking for each other.”
After an SGP three-and-out, Jackson finished a nine-play drive with a 14-yard rushing score, showing elite balance while fighting through contact. To this point, both teams relied on the run.
The passing games suddenly came alive. SGP quarterback Daylon Brooks threw a 40-yard touchdown to wide receiver Cash Clark and Haltom QB Gage Seely responded with a 61-yard completion to WR Cash Turner; the Buffs took the lead before half with a 31-yard field goal from Saul Segovia.
Seely had two fumbles earlier in the game and was able to make an essential play when it was needed.
“He is a sophomore quarterback, and he’s doing a great job,” Tucker said. “It’s kind of trial by fire this year.”
After a missed 31-yard field goal from Haltom and a punt from SGP, Jackson gave the Buffaloes an advantage at the start of the fourth quarter with a 12-yard touchdown. He finished with 176 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
“He is a steady, determined runner,” Tucker said. “He is not real loud but he leads by example. Even if somethings not there, he is going to get some yards -- even if they defend it well.”
The Warriors quickly responded with a revitalized passing game; WR Cade Wallace caught a quick pass and found a hole, keeping his balance through a diving tackle attempt to score and cut the lead.
After, Haltom’s offense nearly sealed the game, but an incomplete pass on fourth down gave SGP a chance to develop a game-winning drive. When it mattered most, the Buffaloes got a defensive stop and ran the clock out in victory formation
“We knew it would be a great game,” Tucker said. “Coach (Laban) Delay does at great job over there. It was a fun one to watch.”
This story was originally published October 31, 2024 at 10:22 PM.
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