The Herald-Zeitung

SAN ANTONIO — The scene along Smithson Valley’s sideline Friday night reflected a proud program that countered nearly every one of Roosevelt’s punches, yet still somehow fell short.

Roosevelt punched its playoff ticket with a 24-20, win-and-you’re-in victory over the Rangers at Comalander Stadium, shutting out Smithson Valley from the playoffs for the first time since 1995.

Roosevelt running back Quintin Sheffield’s 4-yard touchdown run with 4:26 left was the difference, while Rough Riders defensive back Bruce Hendry’s interception at the Roosevelt 15-yard line with 1:47 remaining sealed the victory.

“Nobody thought we could do it when we were down,” said Roosevelt quarterback Devin Haywood, who had 112 rushing yards and 109 passing to help his squad forget their three-game skid last month. “We decided to stick together as seniors and as a team. I think we just proved we were a team.”

The reaction along Roosevelt’s sideline certainly reflected as much, as the Rough Riders had been practically left for dead as recently as three weeks ago.

Once the final seconds ticked away, Hendry tossed his helmet and high-fived a police officer.

Meanwhile, offensive lineman Josh Thomas lifted tailback Brandon Armstrong off the ground and twirled him in midair, while other players simply ran around aimlessly with wide grins.

Roosevelt (7-3, 5-3 in District 26-5A) will play either Austin Westlake or Bastrop next Friday in the bidistrict round of the Class 5A playoffs.

“Nobody thought we could do it when we were down,” said Roosevelt quarterback Devin Haywood, who had 112 rushing yards and 109 passing to help his squad forget their three-game skid last month. “We decided to stick together as seniors and as a team. I think we just proved we were a team.”

In a game that had four lead changes, the Rangers (6-4, 5-3) countered Roosevelt’s first three scores with TDs, but couldn’t do the same in the waning minutes.

Smithson Valley marched 39 yards in nine plays following Sheffield’s TD, only to have Hendry come down with the interception to halt the would-be comeback drive.

As players shook hands afterward, one Ranger could be heard screaming, “Oh, my God!” repeatedly in disbelief.

Smithson Valley’s loss coupled with New Braunfels’ victory over MacArthur shut them out of the postseason, but Rangers coach Larry Hill wasn’t immediately aware of the Unicorns’ victory afterward - which provided him a glimmer of hope that his team might still get in.

“If the (playoff) string ends, I’m sorry, they’re sorry, we’re all sorry,” he said. “ . . . Our players fired a great shot tonight against a team who was clearly playing well - maybe better than anybody in the league right now.”