Marlin ISD

The class 3-A quarterfinals pitted two 17 -AAA schools against one another at Floyd Casey Stadium on Friday December 3, 1999. It would be a "dog fight" to the end. Marlin at 12-1 took on the Robinson Rockets at 10-3 for the right to go on to the semifinals. The bulldogs had beaten the Rockets earlier in the year by a score of 30-7 BUT as they say - It is real hard to beat the same team twice in a season. Especially when they show up this deep into the playoffs. This "deep" though was deeper than any bulldog team since 1964.

Over 18,000 fans showed up for this one and in the end it would be the Rockets who prevailed 13-7 in overtime.

GAME RECAP:

Neither team scored in the first quarter with Marlin's defensive unit featuring a standout performance by #54, senior,Courtney Armstead who sacked Rocket quarterback Billy Reid on consecutive plays on Robinson's first possession. Armstead's two early sacks gave him 15 on the year as he finished first in this department in AAA action.

Robinson scored first when Reid hit #86, Matthew Wright at the ten and Wright raced into the end zone untouched for a TD. Extra point was good and the Rockets took a 7-0 lead. This is where the score remained as both teams headed to their locker rooms at half-time.

Midway through the third quarter the Bulldogs would tie it up. Setting up at their own 41 after a short punt into the wind, QB Jeremy Modkins began to lead his team down field.

A pitch left to #2 DeMarcus Smith gained 13 yards. On the next play, Smith rumbled to the Rocket 13 yard line. Penalties set the dogs back and facing a third and 15, Modkins, behind excellent line blocking, reached the eleven. On fourth and two, Modkins handed off to #33, senior FB, Roderick Scruggs who bulled his way into the end zone for the score. Brandon Lofton added the extra point to tie the game at 7-7. And this is how regulation play would end - All tied up.

Overtime in high school play is just like college. Each team gets a chance to score from the 25 yard line. First downs count as well.

Robinson won the toss and chose to play defense first. On the dogs first play from scrimmage, Modkins handed off to Scruggs who picked up seven yards up the middle. Then on second down Modkins was thrown for a loss setting up third and long. Two incomplete passes and it was the Rockets turn to try and score.

Needing only a field goal to win, the Rockets stayed on the ground as they moved the ball down to the dog two yard line. Facing a third and goal, Marcus Home went over the left side for the score -the win and Marlin's season which had lasted so long was over that quick.

After the post game meeting at midfield between coaches and players, the bulldogs left the field with heads held high. Some players embraced the Rocket players and wished them well as they continue on.

It was truly a memorable season.

Marlin ISD
Created August 1999 -- last revision December 1999
Please mail comments or suggestions to tsimpson@marlinisd.org

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