Home > Central Texas High School Football > Archives > 2008 > December > 13 > Entry
THE 5TH QUARTER: State championship edition
6:29 PM: It’s over. Nix takes a knee, the clock runs out and Prosper is the Class 3A Division I champion.
Prosper 17, La Vega 10.
6:27 PM: Heartbreak for La Vega. Wilson’s pass for Cody Williams is broken up, Prosper takes over on downs with 12 seconds left.
The Pirates’ first state title will have to wait.
6:26 PM: Delay of game La Vega, 4th and 12 now.
6:25 PM: Another incompletion, 4th-and-7, 23 seconds left.
6:24 PM: Incomplete pass, 3rd-and-7 at Prosper 35, 29 seconds left.
6:23 PM: 37 seconds left, Wilson completes an eight-yard pass to Caleb Hobbs to the Prosper 30. La Vega is then called for offsides. 2nd-and-7 from Prosper 35, timeout La Vega.
6:20 PM: Wilson runs for 3 yards for first down to 38 with 1:12 to go.
6:19 PM: Eight-yard pass to Swanson makes it fourth-and-7 with 1:20 to go. A rare defensive delay of game and it’s fourth-and-2 at the Prosper 41.
6:17 PM: Wilson completes a 14-yard pass to Stefan Adams to the Prosper 49, but a false start pushes the Pirates back to their own 46. Two incomplete passes later, and it’s 3rd-and-15 with 1:27 to go.
6:14 PM: Two Chris Parr runs net 8 yards. Timeout La Vega, third-and-2 at the Pirates 37, 1:56 to go.
6:13 PM: La Vega to set up shop at its own 30 with 2:47 to play.
6:11 PM: La Vega needs the drive of its season now. Prosper takes a 17-10 lead on a 14-yard run by Bryan Monroe with 2:55 to play.
From Jason: Monroe hit a gaping hole at left guard and ran untouched into the end zone, capping a 7-play, 72-yard drive.
6:09 PM: Prosper is driving.
From Jason: Brett Thompson’s first carry of the day goes for 39 yards to the La Vega 33. First down. DaJuan Williams runs for eight yards on third-and-7. First down at La Vega 22. Just under five minutes to play.
6:03 PM: La Vega punts. Prosper has the ball back on its own 28 with 7:06 to play.
6:02 PM: From Jason: One step forward, two back. The Pirates get a first down, then have a 15-yard chop block penalty. Wilson completes his first pass since the first quarter, a 14-yarder to Swanson.
Timeout La Vega, 7:26 left in the game, Pirates facing third-and-9 from their own 35.
5:59 PM: Pirates driving. From Jason: Chris Parr just had his biggest run of the day so far, a 16-yarder that erased a false start on the first play of the drive. First-and-10 at their own 34.
5:55 PM: The La Vega defense has played very well, but Jason notes DT Tim Kemp is on the sideline on crutches.
La Vega forces 3-and-out. First and 10 Pirates at their own 23 with 9:33 to play.
5:52 PM: This has turned into a defensive dogfight. Going to the fourth quarter, 10-10.
From Jason: La Vega facing fourth-and-16 from its own 41. Total yards in third quarter: Prosper 55, La Vega 13.
5:45 PM: Prosper ties it on Hunter Nix’s two-yard run. 10-10, with 2:14 left in the third quarter.
From Jason: Prosper takes advantage of the interception by going 24 yards in six plays, all on the ground. The Eagles have dominated the line of scrimmage since the first quarter.
5:41 PM: From Jason: The La Vega defense stiffens. After running on its first eight plays of the drive, the Eagles decide to go to the air on second-and-9 at the La Vega 42. Pressure forces Hunter Nix to throw the ball away, and C.J. Willis sacks Nix on third down forcing a Prosper punt.
La Vega takes over at its own 4, and on the second play, Wilson sees Tim Garner wide open behind the Prosper defense but the pass is underthrown and picked off by Tucker Alexander.
First-and-10 Prosper at the La Vega 24, 5:39 left in the third quarter.
5:34 PM: From Jason: The Prosper offensive line is starting to really come off the ball. After picking up only one first down in the first half, the Eagles have two on the opening drive, running on all five plays for 31 yards.
First-and-10 at the Prosper 46, nine minutes left in the third quarter.
5:13 PM: Here’s Jason’s halftime report: The La Vega Pirates are 24 minutes away from their first football state championship.
The Pirates used a 27-yard field goal by Eddy Gonzales and 51-yard touchdowns pass to jump out to a 10-0 lead, but a 22-yard Drew Bristol field goal with 30 seconds left before halftime drew the Eagles within 10-3 at the break.
La Vega has been hurt by two lost fumbles, the second a muffed punt that handed the Eagles the ball at the Pirates’ 10-yard line and set up Bristol’s field goal.
Penalties have been the downfall for Prosper, as it kicked the ball out of bounds on the opening kickoff to give the Pirates the ball at the Eagles’ 39, an offsides penalty on a third-and-two kept a La Vega drive alive, and Wilson found Swanson for the score on the next play.
Both teams rushed for 30 yards in the first half, as the Eagles have limited Chris Parr to only 12 yards on nine carries.
4:58 PM: Prosper opts to get on the scoreboard, as Drew Bristol kicks a 22-yard field goal.
It’s 10-3 La Vega with 30 seconds left in the first half.
4:56 PM: From Jason: Prosper was forced into another three-and-out, its third of the day, but Daxton Swanson muffs the punt and Prosper recovers at the La Vega 10.
With 34 seconds left until halftime, Prosper faces a fourth-and-goal from the La Vega 3, and calls timeout. Hunter Nix has carried on all three plays on the drive, for seven yards.
4:51 PM: With 4:47 left in the second quarter, Prosper recovers a Danzel Wilson fumble and has first-and-10 at the 50.
4:37 PM: 10-0 La Vega at the end of the first quarter.
Prosper has the ball facing a third-and-14 from its own 37.
4:26 PM: La Vega has come out throwing. Daxton Swanson scores on a 51-yard pass from Danzel Wilson.
From Jason: Wilson is 5-for-5 passing for 86 yards and a score. Drive was kept alive by an offsides penalty on third-and-2 on play before TD.
La Vega 10, Prosper 0 in the first quarter.
4:25 PM: Final from Wichita Falls: Canadian 38, Mart 7.
4:20 PM: Eddy Gonzales kicks a 27-yard field goal to give La Vega a 3-0 lead with 6:10 left in the first quarter.
4:18 PM: From Chad: Canadian’s Clint Cockrell caught a 12-yard touchdown pass from Robinson to boost the Wildcats lead to 38-7 with 4:32 left in the game. Mart’s Xavier Williams is out of the game as Holden Strunk played QB on the last series.
4:13 PM: From Jason: La Vega struggling to run the ball on opening drive, but it has been kept alive by two Danzel Wilson passes. Wilson connected with Daxton Swanson for 17 yards on third-and-12 and with Caleb Hobbs for 10 on fourth-and-9. It’s third-and-9 at the Prosper 12 after a La Vega timeout.
4:05 PM: It’s all but over in Wichita Falls, as Canadian goes up 31-7.
From Chad: Canadian added a touchdown as Robinson threw 36 yards to Linzy Prager. Canadian 31-7 with 6:27 left in the game.
4:04 PM: Prosper tried an onside kick that went out of bounds. La Vega to start at the Prosper 39.
4:02 PM: We’ll be with you until the end of the Mart game, but the La Vega-Prosper game is about set to kick off.
Jason Orts says Prosper won the toss and deferred. La Vega will receive.
3:54 PM: Mart has a tall, tall order in front of it to pull this off. After a Canadian interception, the Panthers were able to hold the Wildcats to a 31-yard Dylan Weaver field goal.
Canadian 24-7 with 9:53 left in the game.
3:49 PM: From Chad: Going to the fourth quarter. Mart, which hasn’t been able to run effectively, has a huge job in turning the momentum. Canadian 21-7, 12:00 left.
3:41 PM: Mart missed a field goal. Still 21-7 Canadian in the third quarter.
3:25 PM: Mart could be in trouble.
From Chad: “Canadian scored again into the wind. Flags threw when there was motion at the line and the Mart defense froze. Meanwhile Robinson threw over the Panthers to Alex Reyes for a 71-yard touchdown. Robinson to Danny Reyes for the two-point conversion. Canadian 21-7, 9:45 left in the third quarter.”
3:09 PM: Here are some score updates from games throughout the state, gathered from various Web sites:
Allen 14, Round Rock Stony Point 7 at halftime
Lake Travis 28, Friendswood 7 in the second quarter
Sulphur Springs 47, Everman 34 FINAL
Kerrville Tivy 14, Dayton 14 at halftime
Borden County 24, Woodson 0 at halftime
2:58 PM: Canadian holds on to a 13-7 lead at the half. The Wildcats will get the ball to start the second half.
2:45 PM: From Chad: Canadian’s Alex Reyes comes down with a 28-yard touchdown pass from Robinson. Extra point no good. The Wildcats scored into the wind, which could be the difference in the game. We’ll see. Canadian 13-7, 2:29 left in the half.
2:34 PM: From Chad: Mart tied it. Xavier Williams threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Montgomery. 7-7 7:26 left in the first half.
2:25 PM: End of the first quarter. Mart has the ball at its own 31, down 7-0.
2:18 PM: From Chad Conine: Canadian’s Danny Reyes reached up in the end zone to grab a 14-yard touchdown from Brandon Robinson. Canadian goes ahead 7-0 with 1:31 left in the first quarter.
Important to note that Canadian has a 30 mph wind at its back in the first quarter, so if Mart could hold them to 7, it could be a major victory for the Panthers, who moved the ball into the wind before failing on fourth-and-two from the Canadian 12.
1:33 PM: Ok, this is it. La Vega and Mart go for state championships today, and we’ll be here for every score.
First, Chad Conine will provide updates from Memorial Stadium in Wichita Falls, as Mart (12-2) takes on Canadian (12-1) at 2 p.m. for the Class 1A Division I title.
Oddly, this is a matchup of the last two 2A Division II champions. Both have moved down in classification, and are obviously doing well.
Here’s Chad’s preview in today’s Trib.
Here’s the Amarillo Globe-News preview, focusing on Canadian’s shot at back-to-back titles.
At 4 p.m., Jason Orts will provide updates as La Vega (12-2) meets Prosper (13-1) for the 3A Division I title at Texas Stadium.
Here’s Jason’s preview in today’s Trib.
Here’s a Dallas Morning News story about Prosper’s unlikely run.
Permalink | Comments (22) | Post your comment | Categories: The 5th Quarter
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Comments
By COLD HARD TRUTH
December 13, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
well now. where are those La vega fans that were talking smack about China Spring. lets see, hmm, the ones that said that the cougars didnt have bragging rights for beating La Vega last year because it didnt matter since we didnt win state. well guess what u cant say ur better than navasota because it doesnt matter. u lost state. by a touchdown. oh snap thats what we lost state by. so La Vega fans dont talk smack if you cant back it up. thats what you did whn you lost the game against us last year. i seem to remember these words out of willie williams mouth. ” all the china spring fans are saying they want la vega, well, u should be careful what u wish for”. lol that never happened.
By barry
December 13, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
La Vega was out-coached. If they had a coaching staff that matched the level of talent on the field, they would have won.
By Centex Fan
December 13, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
An eyewitness at the game today tells me that some LV fans were wearing tshirts that said, “I support 2 teams-LaVega and anyone that plays China Spring”. So petty..
By asa
December 13, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
the team was not prepared to play and no halftime adjustments caused them to lose not the players faults but the coaches get rid of them !!!!
By CS Fan
December 13, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Well well Willie’ throwing a high school a couple of weeks ago did no good, all that’s left is the poor lesson you tought the young men which had no choice but to follow your poor lead.
By Michael Wellman
December 13, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
It’s La Vega’s Administration that is to blame for keeping Willie Williams as an Athletic Director and Head Coach. There are more talented students that refuse to play for Coach Williams on the football team.
By david
December 13, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
To the La Vega players, I want to say thanks for a great season. However, to the La Vega coaching staff, especially Coach Williams, I want to say that you have made many folks from Central Texas furious by your lack of ethics. No other school administration would put up with the stunts you have pulled this year, all for the sake of winning a state championship. Do you believe in karma?
By SWConference
December 13, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Lack of confidence in your own players comes back to haunt you. By rolling over at Lorena to get into a different bracket, Coach Willie told his players that he didn’t think they could hang with Liberty Hill and/or Celina. The seeds of defeat were planted in every players mind. Congratulations Coach Willie for Damage to many fine young men through the action of a loser! Sad thing is you can’t teach any lessons through this defeat, because you just don’t get the fact that you are employed to uplift every player, advance each player, and act like a “professional”, because as a teacher, you are a professional. Image a spelling coach asking his student to “throw a spelling bee” This teacher would be fired or should be fired if the upper level management, “school district officials” were doing their job of promoting and protecting their students. Willie Start Your Walk Of Shame!
By Sportsfan
December 13, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
First I would like to start by saying congratulations to the young men on the football team for a great season. It’s sad but true Coach Williams sold his sole to the devil for a chance at a state championship. He took back a player on his team that any respectable coach would have never touched. Also he threw a game @ Lorena just for a chance at what he thought was a easier ride to the final. What did those two things show his team. One he must have not had any confidence in them as a team to try to take the easy road, and he showed them no class by letting his trouble running back back on his team. I feel sorry for the good people of Bellmead who have to have a coach like coach Williams leading their young men. Outcoached and now out classed once again.
By Chris
December 13, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
lol if you get in trouble witht he law, the go to LaVega they will let you play.
By Dell
December 13, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
What they get for throwin the Lorena game!
By larry
December 13, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Coach Williams, please resign as soon as possible. Let our administration begin the search for a new AD/Headcoach. Just walk away, it will best for our community and children. Thanks to all the players, it was an excellent year.
By marie
December 13, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I believe that our football team did a great job . But i believe that turnovers and penalties is what hurt us must. 17 unahswered point thats the lost right there.Especially all the delay of game ones. The defence played and awesome game. but they where on the field alot in the second half.But win or lose we are very proud of all our team, just remember you win as a team and lose as a team. WE LOVE OUR PIRATES
By Me
December 14, 2008 12:49 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Why does everyine say he was out coached, maybe Prosper was just the better team. Prosper did overwhelm Celina 33-7 in the regular season, and now Celina is just pounded Liberty Hill today. It was two great teams that both played a great game. Somebody had to lose. And what was up with Waco Trib predictions, did they not see what kind of team Prosper was.
By Me
December 14, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Why does everyine say he was out coached, maybe Prosper was just the better team. Prosper did overwhelm Celina 33-7 in the regular season, and now Celina is just pounded Liberty Hill today. It was two great teams that both played a great game. Somebody had to lose. And what was up with Waco Trib predictions, did they not see what kind of team Prosper was.
By JUST WONDERING
December 14, 2008 1:14 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
What if LV would have played their game and beat Lorena? LV wouldn’t be in DivI with two teams who already beat them…They could have played Celina for state…They would have been STATE CHAMPS because they hung with Prosper. Prosper beat Celina 33-7 this year so LV would have more than likely beat Celina…Poor Coaching Decision? Sorry to see the players suffer aren’t you? Just Wondering
By asa
December 14, 2008 1:26 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I am proud of la vega players but their coach threw them under the bus ever since the lorena game and even the china spring game last year lack of respect from the coach it would have been a whole lot better if they would have played the entire season strong like every other school this isnt the nfl . williams needs to go fast, what a joke he was scared of liberty hill and celina.williams got what he deserved .
By RieselRox
December 14, 2008 1:54 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Living where I live, I can hear the laughter in Robinson from here. Can’t say that I blame them.
By sportsfan
December 14, 2008 6:23 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Just to make a reply about the comment that Just wondering said about the Prosper/Celina game. I was at that game and believe me the Prosper team that showed up that night played ten times better than they did against LaVega. Also when Celina and Prosper played Celina’s main weapon on offensive running Charley Waldrep left the game early in the first quarter due to injury and never returned. That’s equal to taking Chris Parr out of the game for LaVega and their was no way that LaVega would have beaten Navasota Or Cuero without Parr. So do even think just because Prosper beat Celina pretty good that night that LaVega could beat Celina. Easy money my bet would be on Celina if they would have meet.
By becca
December 16, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
A co-worker told me last week that if his team won state that the La Vega fans were going to write China Spring Who? on thier windsheilds. The shirts they were parading around town and you know which ones I am talking about. Don’t forget the Coach Willie comments. What’s up with that? Football is a sport that should be played on a professional level even if it is high school. Fans should be supportive but not obnoxious. The people of China Spring would not stoop to this level of conduct, I don’t recall even mentioning La Vega, we played our district and came out undefeated. We played our playoff games and went three rounds. True we wanted to go all the way who doesn’t. Your team should of done their homework and been ready for a team like Prosper. So to the team of La Vega better luck next year. Play hard and maybe we can cross paths next time. Everyone knows that the last time we played against each other it was the best game ever, true we won but all those kids played from the heart. To my co-worker I will not say La Vega who? But know this China Spring is 12-1 La Vega 12-3.
By WE'RE # 1
December 16, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
WE’RE STILL # 1!!!REAL TALK.
By hspoon
December 19, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
When I see a China Spring backer criticizing anyone for “talking smack”, I can only laugh. That seems to be all CS people can do and it seems that that is all they have done for years. Both schools seem to be represented on these blogs, boards, whatever they are called, by a gaggle of two-year olds who write silly crap and expose themselves as silly children instead of loyal fans. When are you kids going to grow up and act like real sports enthusiasts? It is past time for that!