Tigers’ Perfect Season Stopped Short in Shootout with Plainview
The DCS Tiger football team’s undefeated season came to a close in the Class D1 Third Round against Plainview on Friday afternoon. The game turned into an offensive shootout, ultimately decided by a few critical possessions in the fourth quarter. The final score was 44-64.
DCS led after the first quarter, 12 to 10, with the Tigers scoring on a long run by senior Ethan Latta and a deep pass play from senior quarterback Dante Horner to Kevin Garcia. Plainview responded with a touchdown and a field goal. In the second quarter, both offenses continued to find success. The Tigers briefly took the lead 20 to 16 with a touchdown at 8:52 left before halftime. However, Plainview quickly answered and regained the lead, making the score 20 to 23 with 6:47 remaining in the quarter. DCS then drove down the field, scoring on a delayed handoff to Latta from the five-yard line to reclaim the lead. The Tiger defense stepped up with a huge play: Latta made a leaping interception on a deep pass. The DCS offense capitalized, converting on fourth down and then completing a one-play pass to Latta. Horner scored on a run from inside the ten-yard line, diving across the goal line to give DCS a two-possession lead of 32 to 23. With over three minutes left in the half, Plainview put together another solid drive, scoring with just 20 seconds remaining before the break. The halftime score was 32-30, with DCS still ahead.
The Pirates received the ball to start the third quarter and continued to gain ground with their running game. They consumed 4 minutes on their first possession of the second half, regaining the lead at 32-37. DCS quickly responded, scoring on another big play by Latta. After catching a quick screen pass from Horner, Latta sprinted down the sideline, bringing the score to 38 to 37 with 5:56 left in the third quarter. However, Plainview answered back with a one-play scoring drive, hitting a 60-yard touchdown pass to retake the lead at 38 to 43. The Tigers regained possession and moved the ball down the field. The Tigers capitalized on the score play to Latta once again, setting them up at the Plainview 5-yard line, but the Pirates’ defense held, preventing DCS from scoring. Plainview’s offense then took over inside its own 5-yard line. The DCS defense held the Pirates, forcing a punt. The Tiger offense began at their own 25-yard line as the third quarter ended with a score of 38 to 43.
Plainview’s defense held firm, forcing the Tigers into a fourth down and seven at their own 28-yard line. The Tigers attempted to convert, but the play failed, giving Plainview the ball at the DCS 27-yard line. Four plays later, the Pirates scored to extend their lead to 38 to 49 with 10:48 left in the game. DCS regained possession and achieved one first down, but found themselves facing 4th and 10 at their own 28-yard line. The Pirates’ defense made another stop, and Plainview quickly scored again, pushing the lead to 38 to 57 with 7:53 remaining. The Tigers’ offense composed a long drive, culminating in a 12-yard touchdown pass. With 3:57 left in the game, the score was 44 to 57. DCS attempted an onside kick, but the ball didn’t travel the necessary 10 yards. Plainview took over and scored one more touchdown, finalizing the score at 44 to 64.
The Tiger offense finished with 510 yards of offense in the game. DCS quarterback Dante Horner completed 19 of 37 passes for 318 yards. The Tigers rushed for 192 yards in the game. Shaw had eight catches for 63 yards and two touchdowns. Kevin Garcia caught three passes for 84 yards and a score. Ethan Latta caught eight passes for 171 yards and a touchdown, Latta also ran the ball 20 times for 131 yards and two scores. Horner ran the ball 11 times for 61 yards and a touchdown.
The Pirates offense finished the game with 501 total yards, including 380 yards rushing. Plainview running back Gage Walton finished with 36 carries for 254 yards rushing and three scores.
The Tigers concluded their season with a 10-1 record. DCS graduates ten seniors from their roster of 25 players. This senior class finished their high school careers with a remarkable 37 -6 record over four years. The seniors are Owen Mathews, Dante Horner, Ethan Latta, Kevin Garcia, Blaine Aldridge, Dylan Freed, Jasper Foster, August Shaw, Carlos Diaz, and Braxton Merklin.
