Leopards Stun Stamford with 21–0 Run to Claim Area Championship
- Steven Liles
- 2 minutes ago
- 3 min read
The Area Championship showdown between New Home and Stamford delivered every bit of drama you expect from Texas high school football. Momentum swings, big defensive stops, and a comeback that will be remembered for years in Leopard country.
First Half
Stamford won the coin toss and deferred to the 2nd half. New Home opened the game moving the ball into Bulldog territory, but Alek Hernandez halted the drive with an interception.
Stamford immediately made New Home pay, driving down the field and scoring on a 5 yard TD catch by Mahsyn Alvarado to make it 7-0.
After forcing a New Home punt, the Bulldogs struck again. This time it was a 6 yard TD catch from Slayden Young on a jet touch pass, pushing the lead to 14-0.
Stamford extended their advantage in the 2nd quarter. Hernandez added a 22 yard TD catch to make it 20 to 0 after a missed PAT.
With 1:06 left before halftime, New Home finally got on the board. Brayson Beck stood tall under heavy pressure and delivered an absolute dart to Parker Liles for an 8 yard TD while taking a massive hit. That score cut the lead to 20-7 and gave the Leopards new life heading into the locker room.
Second Half
The 3rd quarter turned into a defensive battle. Both teams traded punts before Stamford marched to the goal line. With 1:25 left in the 3rd, Stamford lined up at the 1 yard line for a tush push. As the ball is snapped and the QB drives towards the endzone Greyson Snell puts his helmet on the ball and it shoots out the back of the pile. Beck scooped it up and returned it out to the 45 yard line, shifting momentum completely back towards the Leopards.
Fourth Quarter
The Leopards capitalized on that swing to open the 4th quarter. Beck finished a determined drive with a 1 yard TD run to make it 20-14.
Stamford appeared ready to answer on the ensuing kickoff, breaking free down the sideline, but Keagan Adams made a game saving play. As the last man with a shot, he laid out and punched the ball loose, creating a forced fumble that Wyatt Tunnell recovered.
Moments later, New Home took the lead. With 9:04 remaining, Ryder Starkey powered in for a TD to put the Leopards ahead 21-20.
With 6 minutes remaining, the Leopard defense forced a turnover on downs. After picking up a first down, New Home chose to bleed clock and eventually punted back to Stamford.
The Bulldogs pushed into Leopard territory and had a 1st and 10 at the 31 yard line with 2:30 to go.
That is where New Home slammed the door.
• On 1st down, Follis hit Young, but Parker Liles made a strong open field tackle for only a 2 yard gain.
• On 2nd down, Marshall Brown exploded into the backfield for a 14 yard sack, creating 3rd and 22.
• After the 2 minute warning, Haden Brumley added a 15 yard sack, setting up 4th and 37.
• On the final play of the drive, Brumley beat his blocker and drew a holding penalty while the pressure forced an incomplete pass that sailed out of bounds.
With 58 seconds left, New Home lined up in victory formation and kneeled twice to seal the comeback win.
Final: New Home 21, Stamford 20
A resilient rally. A championship defensive stand. And Thanksgiving football secured once again for the Leopards.
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