Watch Video OSsports_Tony Heath_2010 5A Div. I State Champs
Magical season ends for Trojans,
late comeback fails
Arlington – The edge finally got dull. After living on the edge four out of the last five weeks the Trojans finally found a match. Trinity had grown accustom to second half comebacks but facing another undefeated team wasn’t able to make the adjustment.
All the odds were stacked against them, but Pearland marched into the title game unfazed of the No. 1 ranked Trojans with No. 2 Katy already at their disposal in the regional final.
With six seconds to go Pearland pulled off the unthinkable to defeated Euless Trinity Trojans 28-24 after a desperation pass was deflected by Dustin Garrison and off the hands of Brandon Carter, shocking the nation’s No. 1 ranked team in thrilling fashion Saturday night at Cowboy Stadium in front of 43,321 screaming fans. The victory gives the Oilers (16-0) their first state title in the school history.
“Honestly a town of champions, you talk about our little baseball, our girls’ softball now the football, we got state champions in Pearland. So proud of the players, so proud of the fans, and so proud of our coaches. We have a saying, plus one our kids they stepped up one degree to become champions today,” said Coach Tony Heath, Pearland High School.
The Trojans got off to a strong start with a three play 62 yard drive as fans watched Williams hurdle Oilers Cornerback Myles Kanipes on his way to a 55 yard touchdown run.
Pearland shook off a slow start to draw even with Trinity when Garrison powered his way to the end zone from six yards out
After Trinity led 10-7 on Tyler Orwig’s 35 yard field goal, the Oilers struck again with Garrison’s three yard run to take a four point lead, 14-10 with 2:06 to go in the second quarter.
Garrison’s 128 yards on 28 carries, 39 receiving and three rushing touchdowns was enough to earn him the offensive Most Valuable Player Award. Two way standout, Ukuachu was the defensive Most Valuable Player with eight tackles also had three catches for 78 receiving yards and one touchdown.
Samuel Ukwuachu presents was felt, the two way talent played DE/WR and was most effective on both sides of the ball, helping the Oilers hold the Trojans to only ten points at the half.
A couple of series into the 3rd quarter was the time when Pearland caught the Trojans napping while running the dead man trick play. The linemen never took their stance and RB Garrison, left side WR were facing the coaches on the side lines as if they were waiting for the play. Then after, the ball was snapped to Anderson. Receiver Ukwuashu sprinted down the right side on a streak pattern beating his man for the 54 yard TD catch. The play was an instant classic. That pushed the Oilers lead to 21-10.
“We were going to run it (The dead man play) in the second quarter but we ran the ball. Coach told me in the locker room that I was going to be the man to run it so I belted up my pants strapped on my chin trap and said I have to make a play for my team,” said Pearland’s receiver Samuel Ukwuachu.
Seemingly not happy about the previous touchdown play, Trinity (15-1) put together a 69 yard drive that watched Tuscan score from two yards out trimming the lead 21-17.
The play of the game came when Pearland faced 4th and inches at the Trojans 15 yard line. Anderson scratched out a yard up the middle to keep the drive alive at the 14 yard line and eventually scored the winning touchdown on Garrison’s two yard run increasing the lead back to eleven, 28-17.
“It was a good game from the first quarter to the fourth quarter, we both were fighting,” said Brandon Carter Euless Trinity’s QB/WR. They played smarter than we did, we didn’t wrap up as much on defense and offense had too many penalties and mistakes.”
Trinity responded with a 66 yard drive as Carter jumped over Enrique Oquendo for the two score, cutting the lead 28-24.
A glimpse of light peak through setting up a thrilling finish when Pearland penetrated deep in Trojans territory at the five yard line but came away empty after Dylan Norwak’s 22 yard field goal attempt sailed wide right on 4th down from the five yard line.
With 1:41 to go, the Trojans took possession at their 20 yard line before Garrison deflected a pass that went off the hands of Carter in the end zone with 6 seconds to go.
(The dead man play) in the second quarter but we ran the ball. Coach told me in the locker room that I was going to be the man to run it so I belted up my pants strapped on my chin trap and said I have to make a play for my team,” said Pearland’s receiver Samuel Ukwuachu.
“It was a good game from the first quarter to the fourth quarter, we both were fighting,” said Brandon Carter Euless Trinity’s QB/WR. They played smarter than we did, we did wrap up as much on defense and offense had too many penalties and mistakes.”