PLANO: The Varsity Football team wrapped up the 2020 regular season with its final district game on Friday, a road matchup with Prestonwood Christian. At stake for both teams were playoff seeding implications, with the winner securing the 3-seed in the TAPPS D1 playoff picture, and the 4-seed for the loser. Both teams were guaranteed home games in the opening round of the postseason heading into Friday night's contest.
In the opening frame, both teams were forced to punt on their initial possessions, but PCA struck first as the Cardinals threw and interception on their second drive which led to a 51-yard TD pass from the Lions. JPII responded in kind on the very first play of their ensuing possession as senior RB
Grant Robinson (22 carries, 154 yds) ran by everyone on his way to the endzone, scoring on a 70-yard one play equalizer.
Heading into the second quarter, the Lions answered back with a touchdown run of their own to take a 14-7 lead. Not to be outdone, the Cards showed off their big play ability once again as senior WR
Myles Parker (9 rec, 94 yds, 1 TD) took a
Chase Washington (22-32, 243 yds, 1 TD) screen pass 52 yards for six, evading half of the PCA defense along the way. The Lions would add a chip shot field goal shortly before halftime to take a 17-14 lead heading into the break.
Defensive adjustments for both teams at halftime led to another series of traded punts, however JPII looked to seize back the momentum after junior DB
Terrance Brooks intercepted PCA for a 38 yard pick-six, giving the visitors their first lead of the game at 21-17. From there, it was all Lions as the home team regained the lead two plays later on a 51-yard touchdown strike of their own.
JPII looked to make it interesting early in the fourth quarter but a costly fumble in the redzone squashed any hopes for a comeback. Notable performances include sophomore WRs
Hunter Summers (4 rec, 61 yds) and
Kyle Parker (4 rec, 56 yds), and junior WR
Nate Stafford (4 rec, 29 yds).
The Lions would seal the 31-21 victory to earn the 3-seed in TAPPS D1 - District 1, behind Nolan Catholic and Parish Episcopal. With the loss, JPII falls to fourth place in district, securing a first round matchup with Concordia Lutheran on Friday, November 20th at 7pm.
