3-star SMU commit explodes for over 300 yards rushing in FW All Saints’ win over Azle

In an offensive shootout, Fort Worth All Saints prevailed over Azle, 70-50, Friday night in the season opener for both schools.

The game was scheduled late after Azle’s original opener with Keller Fossil Ridge was canceled due to Ridge reporting coronavirus issues. All Saints had an open week until it scheduled Waco La Vega, but La Vega chose to take the week off. That’s when the Saints and Hornets were able to lock down a matchup.

Montaye Dawson, a 3-star SMU commit, led the way with 17 rushes for 359 yards and five touchdowns. Dawson transferred to All Saints early in the year after spending the past three seasons with Mansfield Timberview.

He was amply helped by teammate Brant Ahlfinger, who contributed 192 yards rushing on 18 attempts and three touchdowns. Quarterback Hampton Fay, a 3-star Michigan State commit, was 15 of 23 for 125 yards and a touchdown. The senior also rushed for one score.

In a first half that saw five lead changes, All Saints (1-0) took the lead for good with 2:52 left before intermission when Dawson ran 75 yards for a score that put the Saints up 30-27.

Dawson also had a pair of touchdown runs from 2, 63 and 57 yards.

Nevertheless, Azle (0-1) fought gamely and stayed in the contest thanks mainly to strong-armed quarterback Chris Lee, who threw for 278 yards and four touchdowns on 13 of 30 passing. His favorite target was Eric McAlister, a 3-star Boise State commit. The sure-handed, 6-4 senior often leaped over defenders to snare in eight catches for 142 yards and two touchdowns for 34 and 51 yards.

Teammate Billy Heath had the first Hornet touchdown from 55 yards that tied the game at 7 midway through in the first quarter. Lee’s brother, Jacob, who ran for 182 yards on 27 carries and a pair of touchdowns, also contributed to the Azle cause. This included a 14-yard scoring run that pulled the Hornets to within 57-50 with 10:24 left in the game.

But it would be the last Hornet score. Two more touchdowns by All Saints, a 12-yard pass in the end zone from Fay to Peyton Kramer and a subsequent 1-yard run by Ahlfinger sealed the deal.

Two takeaways helped the Saints preserve the win. One was a fumble recovery on the kickoff following Kramer’s touchdown catch at the Azle 39. Ten plays later, Ahlfinger scored. An interception by Tony Lacy was returned to the Azle 45 on the ensuing drive.

The Saints feature an offensive line anchored by the Brockermeyer twins, seniors Tommy and James, both Alabama commits. Tommy is the top-ranked tackle among the Class of 2021 while James is the No. 1 ranked center.

Tommy, who missed last season due to a shoulder injury, appeared to suffer a leg or ankle injury with 8:24 left. He had to be helped off the field by two trainers, but it turned out to only be cramps.

All Saints had 723 yards of total offense and 10 touchdowns. Azle had 544 yards and seven TDs.

All Saints hosts Plano Prestonwood Oct. 2 while Azle hosts Everman.

This story was originally published September 26, 2020 at 7:00 AM.