Hillcrest Rolls Past TJ; Lions Extend Win Streak

Now it’s on to bigger and better things for Hillcrest.

The Panthers didn’t have much time to celebrate following a 63-0 drubbing of Preston Hollow rival Thomas Jefferson on Thursday at Franklin Stadium.

They must turn their attention to a two-game stretch — including matchups against fellow District 9-6A contenders Woodrow Wilson and Carrollton Newman Smith — that could shape their playoff future.

If the Panthers (6-1, 3-1) win either of those games, the reward would be the first postseason berth for Hillcrest since 2010 after a series of near misses.

“This week was about us playing the way we should, and getting out of here healthy, and with a win, and looking forward to next week right away,” said Hillcrest head coach Andy Todd. “Good football teams don’t like games like this. Good football teams like those battles where they have to claw, scratch, and fight every play. That’s what we enjoy doing.”

Thursday’s game marked the fourth straight season the Panthers shut out the overmatched Patriots (2-5, 1-3). Standout quarterback Arico Evans rushed for two touchdowns and threw for another as part of a 35-point first-quarter barrage. He’s approaching the 1,000-yard mark for the season.

The Hillcrest defense limited TJ to minus-1 total yards, including minus-21 rushing, and scored a pair of touchdowns. The Patriots crossed midfield just once, and that was followed immediately by consecutive sacks.

Meanwhile, Terell Haley tallied a 70-yard rushing score in the first quarter, and his twin brother, Makell, scored on an interception return just before halftime.

 

Other area results this week:

St. Mark’s 42, Holland Hall 13

The Lions (5-3, 4-2) extended their winning streak to three games behind Justin Jones, who rushed for 260 yards and three touchdowns. Walter Johnson returned to the lineup with a scoring pass to William Caldwell, and St. Mark’s rolled to a 35-0 lead over the Dutch (3-5, 3-3) in the third quarter.

Jesuit 51, Irving Nimitz 27

Bo Schneider threw four touchdown passes, including three to Charlie Eikenberg, as the Rangers (5-2, 3-1) continued marching toward a playoff spot. Matt Slovak rushed for 130 yards and a score for Jesuit. Jimmy Clark kept the Vikings (3-4, 2-2) close with two touchdown passes to D’Angelo Allen.

Skyline 42, W.T. White 0

The Longhorns (4-3, 2-2) became the latest victim of the Skyline juggernaut, as the Raiders (7-0, 4-0) limited White to 40 total yards and forced three turnovers. Two long touchdown passes from K.C. Johnson to Savon Rollison helped Skyline build a 35-0 lead at halftime and it never looked back.

Trinity Christian 63, Plano John Paul II 21

Nahshon Ellerbe ran wild with 333 yards and five first-half touchdowns — including a 98-yard effort — as the Trojans (3-4, 1-3) snapped a three-game skid. Christian Hutzler had 376 passing yards and tossed three scoring passes as TCA rolled up 713 yards of offense against the Cardinals (0-7, 0-4).

Greenhill 31, FW Trinity Valley 20

The Hornets picked up their first road win of the season behind Ryan Bradberry, who rushed for 235 yards and three touchdowns, including two in the fourth quarter to help Greenhill (3-5, 2-4) rally past the Trojans (4-5, 1-5). Cole Cramer also threw a scoring pass to Luke Wagner for the Hornets.