TRINITY — With just three games left in district play, Trinity hosted Diboll, with the stakes being an almost-guaranteed spot in the playoffs.
The Tigers are still looking for the spot after losing to the Lumberjacks 57-23.
The Lumberjacks got off to a quick start, with a long kickoff return and a three-play scoring drive. Shortly thereafter, a forced fumble at the 1-yard line kept Diboll out of the endzone, but the Lumberjacks kept Trinity in check and forced a punt from their endzone; a mishandled bad snap gave the Lumberjacks a safety and a 9-0 lead.
With the Tigers kicking off, the Lumberjacks again started deep in the Tiger end of the field and were able to punch the ball into the endzone and take a 15-0 lead. The Tigers were able to drive the ball to the 17-yard line off a 43-yard pass from Terian Maxie to Chance Barron, but a fumble ended the Tigers drive.
The next drive for the Lumberjacks saw a Tiger interception and fumble that gave the ball back to the Lumberjacks as time expired in the first quarter.
The Tigers were able to stop the Lumberjacks as play resumed in the second quarter, but unable to gain any traction on offense; a punt and long return again set up the Lumberjacks in great field position, and they took a 22-0 lead.
The Tigers were able drive the ball to the 26-yard line, but the drive ended with an interception. With just 39 seconds remaining in the half, the Lumberjacks added another score and led 29-0.
Another mishandled kickoff gave the ball to the Lumberjacks, but the Tigers were able to force a fumble. With just 32 seconds remaining, the Tigers began the drive at their own 25-yard line, and a 59-yard run from Barron and a 4-yard pass from Maxie to Landon Sweeting put the Tigers on the scoreboard. A pass from Maxie to Walker completed the 2-point conversion try and the Tigers went to the locker room at halftime trailing 29-8.
The Tigers opened the second half with the ball, but were forced to punt, and the Lumberjacks returned the punt for a touchdown and took a 36-8 lead. After another Tiger punt, the Lumberjacks were driving again, but an Antwone Daniels interception and 38-yard return set up the Tigers at midfield. Unable to capitalize on the short field, the Tigers trailed the Lumberjacks by 28 points headed into the final 12 minutes of play.
The Lumberjacks opened the quarter with another score and a 43-8 lead. The next possession for the Tigers showcased a 51-yard Maxie run and a 24-yard touchdown pass from Maxie to Barron. Penalties on the kickoff against the Tigers, set up the Lumberjacks for another scoring drive and a commanding 43-15 lead.
The Tigers were again forced to punt but stopped a potential scoring drive by forcing a fumble, but the Lumberjacks were able to force a Tiger fumble and pick up the loose ball and return it for another score. Facing a 42-point deficit, the Tigers were able to muster one final scoring drive as Maxie found Mason Dunn for a 43-yard scoring play. Castro added the 2-points and brought the final score to 57-23.
Still, Trinity manages to post 342 rushing yards and 78 passing yards in the effort.
The Tigers will be on the road Friday night as they travel to Crockett to face the Bulldogs, with each team needing one more victory to advance into the 3A-D1 State Playoffs. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
The Indians were manhandled by the Lovelady Lions 52-0 on Friday.
Stats were not available.
The Eagles managed to score a spot in the playoffs on Friday with a 59-14 win over Buckholts.
Stats were not available.
