Legacy Lions win first round of football playoffs

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Legacy Preparatory Christian Academy defeated Hallettsville Sacred Heart Indians 21 - 14, in what proved to be a true high school football play-off game.

The Legacy Lions took on the Sacred Heart Indians at Memorial Stadium in Columbus, Texas on Friday night. This was the first play-off 11-man football game in the history of Legacy Prep.

“It was an honor to accomplish another first at Legacy. And, because we have been through so many trials this year, the fact that we're still fighting just means a lot,” said senior linebacker Ryan May. “We are a band of brothers and I couldn't be more proud of how hard we have fought. We may be few, but we are enough!”

The Lions scored first on a 15-yard run by running back Darryl Pineda. Pineda's extra point attempt was good making the score 7 - 0 at the end of the first quarter. The Lions continued to play tough on both sides of the ball. With one minute left to play in the second quarter, Lions quarterback Jared May tossed the ball to running back Jack Granack who threw a touchdown pass to wide-receiver Patrick Carlson in the end zone. The Lions went to the locker room at half- time with a 14 - 7 lead.

In the third quarter the Indians controlled the clock grinding off 6 minutes before putting the ball in the end zone with minutes left to play in the third. Going into the fourth quarter with the score tied 14 - 14, defense became the name of the game. On 4th and goal, with the ball resting on the Legacy 5-yard line, Legacy came up with a sack and the Lions offense took over on their own 5-yard line.

The Lions moved the ball to the 45-yard line before being stopped by the tough Indian defense. On 4th down and 5 yards needed for the first down, Coach Larry Harvey elected to go for the first. Quarterback Jared May connected with wide receiver Matt Chester who made an acrobatic catch to keep the Lions offense on the field. With one minute left to play and the score tied 14 – 14, May once again connected with receiver Patrick Carlson in the end-zone to put the Lions on top again.

Pineda's extra point attempt was good making the score 21 - 14. The Indians took to the air attempting to tie the ball game. With 36 seconds left to play, the Indians quarterback threw the ball deep but was picked off by the Lions free- safety Casen Hutton to give Legacy the victory.

Legacy came into the ball game as the underdog against a strong Hallettsville team who has made multiple play-off appearances. The Lions were led by quarterback Jared May who had his best night of the year throwing the football. May was 8 of 11 throwing the ball with 2 for touchdowns and rushed for 92 yards. Running back Darryl Pineda rushed for 47 yards and running back Terrell Morgan for 16 yards.

Standout receivers were Casen Hutton who had 3 catches for 57 yards, Jack Granack 2 catches for 41 yards, Patrick Carlson 2 catches for 16 yards and 2 touchdowns, and Matt Chester 1 for 12 yards.

The defense was led by linebacker Ryan May who had 9 tackles and 2 assists and defensive tackle Kyran Miseldine who had 8 tackles and 1 assist. Darryl Pineda, Dylon Bonner, Patrick Carlson and Casen Hutton each had 3 tackles and Hutton came up with the game ending interception.

Lions Head Coach Larry Harvey added, “This team is very special. In 27 years of coaching, I have never had a team experience the adversity, injuries and frustration this group has dealt with. I am proud of this group and our coaches. They have worked hard and refused to give up. Nothing we accomplish in the playoffs would surprise me.”

Legacy will play in the TAPPS Division IV state quarter finals this Friday against Bryan Brazos. The game will be played in Navasota at 7:30 PM at the Navasota High School Stadium.