DCA Captures 3rd Title

[QuikPik]

DCA claimed its 3rd division 1A title tonight over Boyd with 31-24 overtime win. Boyd was a more worthy opponent than anticipated. They managed to take a 24-7 half time lead to locker room. The only problem, they forgot to come back out in the second half.

 

With only a few seconds left in the first half, Boyd manage to block a DCA field goal attempt and after realizing that it was a live ball returned it 70+ yards for a touchdown. The Boyd players gestured to the DCA fans as they left the field.

 

This would prove to be their last hoorah. DCA took the opening second half drive 80 yards in 4 minutes. At that point it was clear to see that we had a ballgame on our hands. Chris Wooden simply took control of the game. He rushed for 282 yards on 35 carries and demonstrated to all watching why he is the real Mr. Football. The DCA offensive line anchored by Mark Thompson (Mr. Football), Wes Pomeroy, Blake Mundy, Josh Fiedls and Josh Drummond, dominated the Boyd defense in the second half.

 

The game wound up tied at 24-24 when DCA was unable to convert a 24 yard field goal with seconds left in the game. Boyd won the OT toss and elected to go on defense first. DCA promptly scored on the first play with a 10 yard pass from Josh Trammel, who filled in like a pro for the injured Jim Fenwick, to Tiger Hoskins. The DCA defense then added to its TSSAA single season turnover record upping the tally to 52, when Austin Garrett intercepted Akin and spoiled Boyds hope of a repeat.

 

I certainly hope the critics will give us our due now. DCA out rushed a very solid Boyd team 2 to 1 on the night, and managed to all but shut down Peardons' running game. Had it not been for some big breaks for Boyd in the first half, this game would not have been this close.

 

I have maintained all along that no player in high school football has more heart and determination than Chris Wooden, and once again he proved me right.

 

To the Boyd players, congratulations on a good season. To the Wildcats of DCA,

congratulations on a magnificent season and a dynamic come from behind overtime victory, proving once again "it ain't over till its over".

 

No reserve, no retreat, no regret!

[37421]

A big factor that you failed to mention in your summary: The injuries to key players on both sides. The fact is that DCA used depth to cover these while Boyd simply did not. The DCA backup qb came in and did an outstanding job of running the offense, while the other injuries were covered while actually getting stronger through the game.

 

Boyd lost two starting linemen on that last crazy play of the half(both of whom had controlled the right side very effectively in the first half.) These players also played defense (and had the lions' share of the tackles in the first half.) When DCA made the adjustments in the second half to attack that side big MO headed west.

 

DCA seemed to gain "big game" experience throughout the game and except for being stopped twice insde Boyd's 20 late in the game they controlled the tempo and both sides of the ball.

 

It was a great football game to watch even if it was agonizing for the Buc fans.