GROESBECK — A down to the wire wild finish in Groesbeck Friday night saw the Palestine Wildcats walk away with their third victory in district by a final score of 30-23.
The Wildcats jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter thanks to a 20-yard interception return for a touchdown by Jadarius Beasley late in the first; and then as the quarter came to a close, a 23-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Gee Clark to senior wide receiver Jordan Anthony.
The second quarter saw the game turn into a defensive battle as both teams changed possessions until the final two minutes, when Groesbeck finally got on the board with a 10-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Colt McCoy to senior wide receiver Matt Barnes to cut into the Wildcats' lead.
On the ensuing extra point attempt, the hold was fumbled and picked up by Palestine and returned for two points to make the score at halftime, 16-6.
At the start of the second half, the Wildcats received the kick and fumbled, turning the ball over deep in their own territory. However, the Palestine defense held firm and the Goats were forced to punt.
Midway through the third quarter after an impressive drive, the Wildcats extended their 10-point lead with a 17-yard touchdown run by junior Jarrell Owens, making the score 23-6.
The Goats answered exactly 20 seconds later with a 40-yard touchdown run from senior running back Terrell Miles, drawing closer to the Wildcats 23-13.
More turnovers gave the ball back to Groesbeck, and the Goats' offense capitalized on Palestine's fumbling issue with a 25-yard touchdown pass from McCoy to Barnes for their second scoring connection of the game, making the score a slim 23-20 lead in favor of Palestine.
The fourth quarter became a battle of wills, as neither team's defense nudged until midway through the quarter as the Groesbeck offense marched down inside the Wildcat five yard line, Palestine's defense stiffened up and forced the Goats to settle for a 23-yard field goal that evened the game up at 23-23.
The Palestine offense responded one more time with just under four minutes to go in the game with a 44-yard run courtesy of Beasley again. The touchdown gave the Wildcats the lead, 30-23. It would be up to the Palestine defense to secure the victory.
Groesbeck's offense methodically marched down the field, thanks in large part to a gutsy gadget play that saw quarterback McCoy on the receiving end of a 25-yard pass.
The Goats offense continued the drive inside the five yard line, where on fourth and goal from the one yard line, McCoy attempted a quarterback sneak, which was denied by the Wildcat defense.
The turnover on downs secured the win for the Wildcats as they defeated Groesbeck by a final score of 30-23.
The win ties Palestine at the top of the district standings with Fairfield with both teams sitting at 3-0 in district.
Local Sports
Palestine defeats Groesbeck 30-23
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From the Sideline: Picking on the picks from Texas Football
2013 is the year that Lance Angel’s Palestine Wildcats make the leap.
It’s a year that will see perennial playoff teams Cayuga, Frankston and Oakwood back in the playoffs.
It’s a year that won’t see Westwood or Elkhart snap their playoff droughts, or see Grapeland return to the postseason.
At least, that’s what 2013 will be according to the “Bible of Texas football.” -
Palestine's Owens picks TCU
A whirlwind recruitment came to a resolution for Palestine star Jarrell Owens Tuesday.
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H.S. Baseball: Elkhart's Smith stellar at all-star weekend
By all accounts, former Elkhart baseball standout Levi Smith had a stellar weekend.
The former Elks’ catcher spent it in Round Rock, participating in the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association (THSBCA) all-star weekend.
He played in the 1A-3A all-star Saturday, batting in the clean-up spot for his team. But, it was the show he put on Friday that probably turned the most heads. -
Tennis: Palestine-native Ybarra captures East Texas Open title
In terms of his tennis, the last year had been a rough one for Palestine-native Ryan Ybarra.
After transferring from Texas Tech to UT-Tyler, Ybarra had seen his season come to a rough end thanks to a foot injury, and led him to wonder about his future in the sport.
In his own words, Ybarra was “burnt out.” -
H.S. Football: 5 local players to play in Saturday's FCA bowl
The annual FCA “Heart of a Champion” Bowl in Tyler Saturday will have a decidedly local flavor to it.
Five local players were among the almost 100 chosen to play in the game, which honors the best high school seniors from a 25-county area in Northeast Texas. -
H.S. Football: Palestine OL Thlang commits to ULM
The first of the area’s Class of 2014 football recruits has made a commitment.
Palestine offensive lineman Brian Thlang committed to the University of Louisiana at Monroe on Wednesday, days after attending the Warhawks camp with teammate Ben Luckett.
Thlang said he was won over at the camp with the ULM coaching staff. -
H.S. Football: Area coaches react to UIL's new 90-minute rule
In an effort to combat injuries, the University Interscholastic League (UIL) approved a limit on how much full contact can be made weekly during high school and middle school football practices.
The UIL, which governs athletics in Texas, approved a measure limiting contact to 90 minutes per week at a meeting on Tuesday. But, full contact is deemed to be “game-speed tackling and blocking to the ground.” -
H.S. Football: TCU latest to offer Palestine's Jarrell Owens
Palestine star senior-to-be Jarrell Owens picked up his fourth college offer on Tuesday, his second from a BCS school.
TCU offered the Class of 2014 linebacker/defensive end, joining Texas Tech as the two Big 12 schools currently courting Owens. -
H.S. Baseball: Trio of locals named to THSBCA all-state teams
Three local players were named some the state’s best baseball players Monday by the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association (THSBCA).
Elkhart teammates Levi Smith (catcher) and Jacob Cheatham (third base) were both named first team players on the Class 2A team, while Cayuga pitcher Chantz Holland was named a first teamer in Class 1A. -
Sports Briefs: Week of 6/3/13
Sports briefs for the week beginning June 3, 2013, including a Lady Elk garage sale and updated information on Adrian Peterson Day.
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