Frisco area high school football postseason runs, along with dreams of a championship, have concluded for all three of the Frisco ISD schools. Yet their seasons were far from disappointments as each school made a deep playoff run, overcoming injuries and odds along the way.
Two teams conclude 2013 as Area Champions, while another is a TAPPS Semifinalist.
4A DIVISION II REGION II SEMIFINALS
L Frisco High School (11-4) Vs. Ennis (15-0)—25-46
For the first time this postseason, the Ennis Lions found themselves with a two-possession deficit to start a playoff game, as the Frisco Raccoons offense went into attack mode—and they did so without leading rusher Max Steitle (broken leg).
Up 10-0 with less than a minute remaining in the first quarter, the Raccoons were playing the role of David with their eyes set on toppling Goliath.
But then the sleeping giant came alive, as Ennis reeled of three consecutive scoring drives to take the lead. Rasheed Kilpatrick (89 yds, 2 TDs) found the end zone and Jake Battaglia (129 yds total offense) ran in the PAT for two to tie things up 18-18, to keep the momentum on their side heading into the half.
After halftime, the dazed Lions jumped out of their funk in a hurry; thanks in large part to dynamic runner Terrence Williams.
All but silent in the first half, the Lions’ Williams (127 yds, 2 TDs) announced his presence as he scored twice in just over a minute and a half in the third quarter.
Williams’ runs put the Lions ahead for good. The Raccoons’ Rasheed Kilpatrick returned the ensuing kickoff 86-yards to bring Frisco within 14 of Ennis, but then Nick Gabriel (131 yds, 3 TDs) scored once again, handing the Lions their three-possession lead.
For the second consecutive season, the Frisco High Raccoons rumbled deep into the postseason, and are now the reigning Area Champions.
3A DIVISION I REGION II SEMIFINALS
L Frisco Lone Star (11-3) Vs. Kilgore (15-0)—21-56
Until Frisco Lone Star QB Jason Shelley (19/28 242 yds, 2 TDs, 2 INTs) connected with Austin De Leon (7/52 yds, 2 TDs) for a 2-yard pass with 1:18 remaining in the first half, it appeared as though the rout was on. After all, by that point, Kilgore had already amassed five scoring drives.
However, to open up the second half, the Rangers offense found a groove as Shelley scored on a 35-yard option read, and once again hit De Leon in the air for a 13-yard score. All of a sudden, the Rangers had hope, trailing just 35-21 deep in the third quarter.
Unfortunately, their newfound hope was quick fleeting, as the next play was a 91-yard kickoff return by Kilgore’s Aaron Foy. From that point forward, the Kilgore defense stepped up, squelching any hopes of a Rangers rally.
First year Coach Jeff Rayburn and his squad (who were eliminated in the bi-district round a year ago) put together a deep playoff run and conclude their season as Area Champions.
TAPPS DIVISION III STATE SEMIFINALS
L Frisco Legacy Christian (12-3) Vs. First Baptist (15-0)—4-47
Much had been made of the First Baptist Saints’ potent offense heading into their TAPPS State Semifinal against the Frisco Legacy Christian Eagles. However, it was their defense that ultimately assured them of postseason advancement.
Averaging just over 38 points per game in their first two playoff victories, Legacy Christian’s offense was shutdown, as their only scores came on second and third quarter safeties.
As is evident in the score, First Baptist’s effort certainly wasn’t relegated to just defense. QB Max Partlo (19/28 252 yds, TD) found WRs Trae Hart (8/147, TD) and Jaylin Nelson (4/77, TD) when he needed to, and the rest was up to RB Justen Tatum (89 yds, 2 TDs).
The Eagles offense was led by Blaine Billmyer (97 total yards) and RB C.J. Encalade (55 yds). Legacy Christian finishes their year as TAPPS State Semifinalists.
Be sure to check back later this week, as Lifestyle Frisco picks it’s 2013 Football MVPs—one from each Frisco ISD School!
