What began as a slow start for both teams turned into a shootout last evening in Henrietta, Texas. Going into halftime, the Dillos were tied up 14-14 with the Panthers, but the 2nd half saw both offenses come to life and put up a combined 56 points in the Area round of the playoffs. Panhandles high flying offense that averaged 54 points a game ended up being too much for the Dillos defense that had allowed on average just 18 points per game this year. San Saba finished the season 8-3 with the only losses coming to state ranked teams, Llano (#7 in 3A) Cisco (#6 2A) and Panhandle (#9 2A), all three of which will be playing next week in the 3rd round of the playoffs. Several players added to the record books this season, and we will have those numbers along with post season awards in the following weeks.
Offensive Stats
Risien Shahan completed 12 of 27 passes for 238 yards with 3 passing TD’s and 1 interception. Stone Sears, Wesley Lackey and Reagan Mejia had 3 receptions, followed by Logan Glover with 2, and J. Yarbrough and Drake Bryant with 1 catch. TD receptions came from Lackey (2) and Sears (1). Leading the way in rushing was J. Yarbrough (6 rushes 93 yards 1 TD), Sears (7 rushes 17 yards), and Lackey (6 rushes 30 yards). Sears also tacked on an 86-yard kick return that kept San Saba in the ball game late in the 4th quarter.
Defensive Stats
Although the defense allowed 49 points, there were some great stops throughout the game that allowed the Dillos to stay competitive. Three times, the Panthers had the ball inside the 15, and three times the Dillo defense “rooted” in and kept Panhandle out of the endzone. LB L. Yarbrough lead the way with 23 tackles followed closely behind by safety Glover (20), DL Leonel Arrand (16), LB Shahan (15), and Dl Bladen Calley added 14 tackles and a fumble recovery.
Game Recap
1st Quarter 6:56 – The panthers 1st score comes on a 50-yard drive that ends on a score from the 1. PAT is good 7-0 Panhandle.
4:36 – From the 10-yard line, Shahan hits Lackey in the back on the endzone. PAT is good 7-7.
2:38 – J. Yarbrough crosses the goal line for the 10-yard rushing TD. PAT is good 14-7 SS.
At the end of the 1st quarter San Saba 14 Panhandle 7
2nd Quarter
:13 - With just seconds remaining in the half, the Panthers are able to drive the ball to the 12-yard line and score. PAT is good 14-14.
Halftime San Saba 14 panhandle 14
3rd Quarter
9:46 – The Panthers' opening drive of the half ends on a 42-yard TD reception. PAT is good 21-14 Panhandle.
9:18 – Shahan hits Sears out of the backfield that covers 80 yards. PAT is good 21-21.
7:46 – The Panthers rb cuts loose and scores from 44 yards out. PAT is good 28-21 Panhandle.
At the end of the 3rd quarter San Saba 21 Panhandle 28
4th Quarter
11:50 – The Panthers add another rushing TD to the scoreboard from 14 yards out. PAT is good 35-21 Panhandle.
11:33 – Sears’ 80-yard kick return keeps the Dillos in the ball game. PAT is good 35-28 Panhandle.
8:15 The Panthers march the ball down the field and score from the 15. PAT is good 42-28 Panhandle.
6:34 - Shahan hits Lackey on a slant that converts into a 35-yard passing TD. PAT is good 42-35 Panhandle.
2:18 – On 4th and 3 from there own 30, the Panthers roll the dice and attempt move to the chains; a QB draw ends up turning into a 70 yard score. PAT is good 49-35 Panhandle.
Final score San Saba 35 Panhandle 49