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| TYLER - Any doubt about Longview's chance against unbeaten Garland were quickly put to rest as the Lobos scored on their first three possessions, and five of their initial six, to rout the Owls 45-0 here Saturday night at Rose Stadium.
The win improved the Lobos to 8-3 and they advance to meet Dallas Carter in the Region II Class 5A Division II Area Championship Saturday at 2 p.m. at Mesquite's E.H. Hanby Stadium. Carter, which defeated Lake Highlands Thursday to go 11-0, is coached by Former John Tyler head coach Allen Wilson. Garland, which had rolled through non-district and district, allowing opponents just over 11 points per games while posting more than 300 yards on offense, ends it season at 10-1. The Owls were the top ranked team in the Metroplex. Quarterback Joel Armstrong was 7 of 11 passing for 180 yards - the majority of the yardage coming in the first half. He threw a pair of touchdowns - one each to Tate Casey and Rogers Taylor. Tailback Jerrell Williams rushed for 130 yards on 18 carries. Backup fullback Chris Jones tallied twice for Longview. The Lobos also got a 42-yard field goal from Alex Cammack, strong safety Keith Johnson returned a Garland fumble 15 yards for a touchdown and third-stringer Adrian Brooks ran in from 1-yard as Longview finally cleared it bench. Longview came ready to play from the outset. The Lobos scored on its first three possessions for 21 points en route to building a 31-0 lead after two quarters. Armstrong was 6 of 8 passing for 174 yards and two touchdowns in the first half. He connected with Casey for 31 yards for the Lobos' first score at the 8:47 mark. Longview actually appeared to have a touchdown on its very first play from scrimmage. However, a penalty for illegal procedure negative a 72-yard Armstrong-to-Malcolm Kelly score. The Lobos weren't fazed as they put together a 72-yard, eight-play drive. They kept the ball on the ground, twice converting third down - the second time a 31-yard scoring toss from Armstrong to Casey. Longview's defense then got physical, forcing the Owls into a three-and-out. Garland did get off a 60-yard punt as the ball rolled to the Lobo 13-yard line. Armstrong wasted little time in setting up the second touchdown, completing a 61-yard completion to Kelly. The Lobos methodically picked up a pair of first downs, finishing off the seven-play, 87-yard drive as Jones followed his blocked into the end zone from 8 yards out. The Lobos quickly got the ball back as Anthony Perry forced a fumble and recovered it at the Garland 26. A 14-yard pass play from Armstrong to Casey gave Longview a first down at the 12. Williams then rumbled 10 yards, setting up first and goal. Jones again finished off the drive with a 21-yard burst up the middle and the Lobos led 21-0 with 37 seconds left in the opening quarter. Garland had an opportunity to score late in the half, but Kendall Peoples tackled Owl quarterback DeAndre Jackson as the second quarter ended with the ball at the Longview 22. |