Community Christian Wins Thriller 52-50/Advances in PlayOffs
CCS Advances to State Semi-Finals
By Jerry Hamilton/Sports Editor
Community Christian Warriors pulled off a big win in the quarter-finals with a 52-50 upset of Sherman Grayson Christian.
With a minute remaining trailing 50-45. William Goree blasted in from 3 yards out to give the Warriors a 51-50 lead. Chandler Snead added the extra point to give CCS a 52-50 lead with a minute remaining.
The game wasn’t over as Grayson Christian quickly drove down to CCS territory, however Josh Petrie sealed the deal with a game ending interception at the 18 yard line with just a few seconds to play. It was Petrie’s second interception of the night.
The win sends the Warrior’s to the state semi-finals for the first time since 2011. CCS will face defending state champion Harvest Christian Academy out of Bartonville, Texas. The Warriors will enter the game with a 7-4 record while Harvest Christian is 10-1 on the year.
Community Christian of Mineral Wells took an early lead against Grayson Christian as Jackson Horton scored one of his four touchdowns on the ground. Horton rush 176 yards on 17 carries. Horton also had a big night through the air as he completed 13 passes for 180 yards and 2 touchdowns. Goree had seven receptions for 121 yards and one touchdown. Brenden Howe had the other touchdown reception. Horton, quarterback for CCS, had 356 yards total offense on the night.
The defense played a big part on the evening. Horton had nine tackles Chandler Snead has six assisted tackles and twin brother Conner Snead had seven tackles as the Warrior defense made it tough on Grayson Christian.
Coach Brian Horton was very happy with his team’s win. “It wasn’t perfect, but the guys made plays when we needed them,” stated Horton. The head coach had high praise for Bryce Haralson, the Warriors up back blocking position. “Bryce did a great job,” added Horton.
The head coach said he likes his chances this week. “You don’t win in the playoffs unless you play your best. I expect us to play our best Friday night.”
The Warriors will have a major send off at 4:40pm Friday in downtown Mineral Wells on North Oak Ave. The cheerleaders will be at the Crazy Water Hotel and Plaza and fans are asked the line sidewalks. Game time is 7pm at Decatur Victory Christian Academy stadium in Decatur.
