Brayden Hamill’s interception return on the first play after halftime sparked Holliday’s 55-36 playoff rout of Coahoma, pushing the Eagles into the next round despite a 3-7 regular-season record. Hamill accounted for six touchdowns in total, delivering the kind of performance that belied Holliday’s earlier struggles this season.
The Eagles entered the postseason on a two-game losing streak but exploded offensively against Coahoma, a team that finished 7-3. Their 55 points marked a season high, showing a sudden offensive cohesion at a moment when many expected them to bow out early.
Henrietta followed a similar script, scoring 115 points over two games after a 5-5 regular season. The Bearcats crushed Stanton 51-7 on Friday, building on a 64-35 win over Breckenridge that had already signaled their offensive surge. Henrietta’s back-to-back 50-plus-point games have given the team momentum heading into the area round.
Graham’s playoff victory over Estacado was defined by a defense that matched the offense’s potency. The Steers recorded eight sacks and 15 tackles for loss in their 49-22 win, with senior Riley Pratt leading the defense. Pratt finished with 14 tackles, including six for loss, and five sacks. Graham forced four turnovers, intercepting two passes and recovering two fumbles, while their offense amassed 474 yards and seven touchdowns.
This victory came two weeks after Graham’s first loss of the season to Brock. The Steers’ ability to respond with a dominant defensive and offensive performance suggests they will be tough opponents in the upcoming rounds.
Vernon’s defense also made a significant impact in the bi-district round, limiting Ingram Moore to just 36 rushing yards and holding the Warriors to 167 total yards. The Warriors struggled to move the ball against Vernon’s defensive front, with Tyce Payne recording 11 tackles, including four for loss and a sack. Adrain Felton pressured the quarterback eight times, while Bowie Eakin added 9.5 tackles. Vernon forced the Warriors to rely on the pass, but they managed only 131 yards through the air.
Windthorst’s quarterback Brock Belcher continued to add to his record-setting career with a standout performance in the bi-district round. Belcher completed 23 of 29 passes for 395 yards and five touchdowns, adding 59 rushing yards and another score. His 454 yards of total offense and six touchdowns helped keep the Trojans in contention for a state title.
Belcher’s career passing touchdown total now stands at 173, moving him into second place in Texas high school football history across all classifications. His ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground provides Windthorst with an advantage as they advance deeper into the playoffs.
Muenster also survived a tough first-round matchup, though details of that game were less prominent in the latest reports. The bi-district round has reshaped expectations around several Texoma teams, with Holliday’s surge and Graham’s defensive dominance among the most notable developments as the playoffs progress.
According to Yahoo Sports.
