December 6, 2009

Matt Stepp
TheOldCoach.com Staff Writer

BURLESON- After an 11-0 start to the season in 2008 the Aledo Bearcats (13-1) were eliminated by the Everman Bulldogs (11-3) in the area playoffs, but in 2009 the Bearcats returned the favor in the Class 4A State Quarter-Finals with a convincing 34-22 win at Burleson Stadium.

Sophomore RB Johnathan Gray carried the load for Aledo rushing for 169 yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries as the Bearcats cruised out to a 27-0 lead in a dominant first half where the Bearcats allowed only two first downs to Everman in the first half and just 21 total yards.

Aledo wasted little time jumping on top of Everman as Gray ripped off a 32 yard run on the fourth play from scrimmage, four plays later Gray scored from twelve yards out to put the Bearcats up 6-0 as the PAT was blocked. After an Everman three and out the Bearcats would go up 13-0 early in the second quarter as Gray outran the Everman secondary on a 35 yard touchdown run.

Things started to get ugly later in the second as after another three and out the Bearcats got the passing game going as Stetson Stockard hauled in a 13 yard pass from sophomore QB Matthew Bishop. Aledo added to the lead right before halftime as another sophomore got in on the act as Michael Mann between three Everman defenders made a juggling 31 yard touchdown reception and the rout was on at 27-0.

Everman's defense adjusted in the second half but the lead was simply too great. The final nail in the coffin came midway through the third quarter as Aledo lining up for a field goal had a bad snap, but when the ball bounces your way it just bounces your way. Holder Stetson Stockard found a wide open Danny Heiss for a 12 yard touchdown pass and a 34-0 lead.

Everman's offense finally got going in the fourth quarter as James Bailey scored on two touchdown runs and Ruben Fletcher added a short run to make the score respectable at 34-22.

Next week Aledo takes on Denison on Saturday at 2pm at CH Collins Stadium in Denton in the Class 4A Division II State Semi-Finals.