Haltom handles Paschal behind backup QB, homecoming king-turned kicker
Haltom used a balanced attack and a stingy defense to slush past Fort Worth Paschal 48-14 on Friday night at Birdville Stadium.
Michael Black, Haltom’s starting QB and last week’s Offensive Player of the Week, played just the first half but rushed 10 times for 67 yards and a score. He also threw for 128 yards and a score on 6-of-8 passing with an interception.
Adam Hill replaced Black for the second half and had a standout game of his own, rushing for two scores and throwing for another.
Paschal could never really muster any offense against the Buffalos. Their first half resulted in six first downs and 90 total yards.
The second half saw the Panthers come out and close the gap to 20-7 when William Booker raced in from 14 yards.
But the combination of Hill and receiver Julius Johnson did all the Buffs would need to pull away in the second half.
Game was over when: Adam Hill hit Julian Johnson for a 40-yard strike in the third quarter – Johnson’s second TD reception – which put Haltom up 34-7.
Play of the game: The 47-yard scoring pass from Black to Johnson caught Paschal off-guard and began to distance the Buffs from the Panthers.
Offensive player of the game: Johnson caught four passes, two of them for scores and 150 total receiving yards. On the Paschal side, William Booker and Elliot Titus combined for 239 yards (124 and 115 yards, respectively).
Defensive player of the game: The Haltom linebacking corps of Jahari Williams, Jonathan Rodriquez and Gavon Lange, registered three sacks and kept the Panthers’ offense in check most of the game. Paschal’s Cole Peck picked off a Haltom pass, which nearly helped turn the tide for the Panthers early.
Unsung hero of the game: This hero could be a king. Andres Alaniz, the Haltom kicker, nailed field goals of 26 and 35 yards, keeping the Buffs’ drives worthwhile early. He also garnered the homecoming king honors at halftime. Alaniz also kicked off with only one return and nailed six PATs.
Moment of the game: Haltom was up 17-0 and could’ve put a heavy foot on Paschal with a late second quarter score. Michael Black appeared to have scored from 34 yards out but was flagged for his second unsportsmanlike conduct penalty as he was tagged for taunting en route to the end zone. The disqualification signaled the entrance of Adam Hill to finish the game for Haltom.
Stat of the Game: Haltom had to punt only once during the game.
Big picture outlook: Paschal was hoping to continue the momentum gained in their season opening 5-0 win over Irving, but will have to regroup while Haltom can maintain its resurgent rise to another hopeful playoff return.
What’s next? Haltom, 2-0, next Friday hosts Dallas Lake Highlands at Birdville Stadium at 7:30pm; Paschal, 1-1, plays Thursday vs. North Mesquite (Mesquite Memorial Stadium) at 7 pm.