Friday night, two of Texas’ best and undefeated 3A high school teams, Brownwood and Monahans, met at San Angelo Stadium to battle in the State Quarterfinal playoff round.
It was to be the toughest match up of the season with the notable Monahans’ running offense and against the Brownwood Lions famed explosive passing and running game.
In the first quarter, Monahans had the ball for 6 minutes 15 seconds in their first possession making the first quarter quite frustrating for the Lions. The Lions completely dominated the second half however with a very efficient offense securing the win 44-14.
The Lions go 14-0 on the season as they enter the 3A Division 2 Semi-Final playoff round next week.
The highlights and scoring plays of the game were:
*5:15 remaining in the first quarter, Monahans was in a 3rd and 5 position when they were able to make a 19 yard touchdown run and the extra point putting the first points on the scoreboard. The score was 0-7.
*Brownwood’s first possession was a fumbled kickoff return that Monahans recovered.
*In Monahan’s second possession of the game, the quarterback dropped a bad snap on 4th and long, Brownwood tackled him and took over at the 43 yard line. Next, Jaxon Shipley makes a 43 yard reception that began a 57 yard drive in 5 plays that resulted in a 1 yard rushing touchdown by Stehl Ratliff with 1:58 left in the first quarter. Dillon Ellis made the extra point tying up the game 7-7.
*In Brownwood’s next possession, Jaxon Shipley cut back and forth dodging Lobo defenders to execute a 31 yard punt return. 8 plays later, Levi Perez scored a 2 yard touchdown on 3rd and goal. Monahans blocks the extra point. The score was then 13-7.
*With just 34 seconds left in the half, Jaxon Shipley was able to score from 18 yards out bringing the score to 19-7.
*With 10:11 on the clock in the third quarter, Stehl Ratliff scored on a 1 yard rushing touchdown to start off the second half. The score was brought to 25-7.
*7:16 third quarter, Monahans answered back with a pass for a 40 yard touchdown and made the score 25-14.
*After a touchdown by Shipley was called back due to a holding call, Luke Chastain made a 14 yard reception for a touchdown finishing a 70 yard drive with 5:02 left in the 3rd quarter. The score was 31-14.
*3:24 in the third quarter, Levi Westerman blocked a punt which was recovered by Caden Ellis. Levi Perez scored on the next play; the score was 37-14.
*Monahans was inside the Brownwood 15 yard line when Shipley intercepted the ball at the 4 yard line.
*8:26 in the 4th quarter, Graylon Brown connected with Chastain for a 7 yard touchdown pass which ended a 97 yard drive. Matthew McCrane kicked the extra point, putting the final point on the scoreboard. The game was then at 44-14.
Coach Bob Shipley stated in a post game interview that there were three very important points to the game:
- Stopping the Loboes’ second drive and answering with a touchdown.
- Being able to drive the length of the field before the first half ended.
- Stopping the Loboes’ drive with the Shipley interception, the 96 yard drive and the blocked punt.
The Brownwood Lions will face the defending 2008 & 2009 state champions, the Carthage Bulldogs, at the Dallas ISD’s John Kincaide Stadium Friday, December 10th at 7:30pm in a State Semi-Final game. Teams remaining in the 3A Division2 playoffs are Brownwood, Carthage, Wimberley and Coldspring-Oakhurst.
Click our Photo Gallery of the game below with over 100 photos.
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