Under normal circumstances, throwing for the end zone in the final moments of the game while up 14 points would seem excessive. But for the Pasadena Dobie Longhorns, it saved their season.
In order to clinch a playoff spot, Dobie entered their regular season finale against Manvel needing not just a win, but a win by at least 17 points, due to the tiebreaker situation in District 22-6A. So when the Longhorns took over on downs on their own 26, leading 48-34 with just 18 seconds to go, they had to press — kneeling it out would end their season. After a completion and a penalty got Dobie to the Manvel 38 with just six seconds to play, quarterback Williard Joyner III heaved for the end zone, finding Tariq Riley for a 38-yard Hail Mary to win by 20, clinching a playoff spot and keeping their season alive.
The result? Dobie will advance to the Class 6A Division I playoffs, likely to face Fort Bend Ridge Point in the first round. Manvel also qualifies for the playoffs in the 6A Division II bracket, while Pearland Dawson's season ends in the most improbable way.
Want your first look at the UIL Texas high school football playoff brackets? Tune in to the DCTF Playoff Bracket Reveal Show, LIVE at 10:30 p.m. Saturday!
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