Memorable moments shocked fans and paved the way for record setting season in 2010
High school football is near, but while we wait, we’ll recap a few memorable moments from the 2010 season. Starting with Katy’s shocking loss to state champion Pearland in Class 5A Region III Quarter Finals. The Tigers, previously ranked No. 2 in the state at the time of their battle at Rice Stadium. After falling behind late, Pearland staged a furious comeback that watched quarterback Trey Anderson unleashed a 44 yard TD pass to Sam Ukwuachu who out-jumped Tigers cornerback Quinn Atwood at the 12 yardline and ran into the end zone with 47 seconds to go.
Two weeks later, the Oilers followed up their quarter final victory with another shocking defeat, this time, the No. 1 nationally ranked Euless Trinity Trojans in the class 5A Title game at Cowboy Stadium (28-24). A play that drew national attention stunned viewers across the country, as Pearland executed a play that Coach (Tony) Heath called the dead-man play, catching the Trojans off guard when the Oilers offense stood still watching the coaches from the field as Anderson took a quick snap and connected on a 54 yard TD pass to Ukwuachu, while the Trojans defense watched in disbelief.
With a 27-7 win over Denton Ryan, Lake Travis became the largest program to ever win 4 straight titles in the state of Texas. The other three championships were against highland Park in 2007 and twice vs. Longview (2008 and 2009). Two other teams master the feat, Sealy (3A, 1994-97) and Celina (2A, 1998-2001)
Junior Johnathan Gray, Aledo’s star tailback set a state record in the Class 4A Division II Finals for most touchdowns in a state championship game, with eight, while rushing for 320 yards on 29 carries to bring his season total to 59. That’s two more than Sugar Land’s Kenneth Hall, who accomplished the feat in 12 games in 1953. Gray will be in his third year as a starter this season for the Bearcats, who have won back to titles. In 2009, it was Brenham who endured Gray’s 252 yard, four touchdown performance in losing 35-21. Aledo in doing so, also tied a team record for most points scored in a championship game with 69, matching Sulphur Springs who recorded it in 2008 with a win over Dayton.
An interesting fact to keep in mind, Sophomore Kelvin Taylor of (Florida)Glades Day HS, the son of NFL running back Fred Taylor is already amongst the leaders for career touchdowns with (108). The list of company that Taylor stands with include, Emmitt Smith (106) Escambia 1983-86, Willie Green (107) Osceola-Kissimmee 1996-99, Tyrone Moss (107) Blanche Ely 1999-02 and Mike Bellamy (110) Charlotte 2007-10. At the rate the young Taylor is moving at, he could re-write the Florida HS record books before graduation. As an eighth grader, Taylor was an all-state selection, after his freshman season he was awarded as the freshman of the year by Maxpreps. He rushed for 2,597 and a state record 49 touch downs, two which were receptions. The 5’11” 211 pound back list Florida, Florida State and Miami as early choices.