Monday, December 9, 2024
Folks in Springtown have waited a long time to say this. The Porcupines are sole possessors of the district football championship.
The last time those words could be uttered in the north Parker County burg, Google was still in its infancy. Michael Jordan was leading the Chicago Bulls to their (and his) last NBA championship. Apple was still three years away from introducing the iPod.
It was 1998.
For the first time in this century the Porcupines (9-1, 6-0 in District 5-4A Division I) are outright district champions. It's hard to imagine the title coming in a more exciting fashion.
Springtown defeated longtime nemesis Decatur (5-4, 4-1) on the Eagles' own turf, 41-38 in double overtime Friday, Nov. 1.
"As a coach you want to prepare each week, and then win every game and also think/know that every game is of equal importance, because without them all, you don't get 'this' one," Porcupines coach Brian Hulett said. "But, with that being said, you had the feeling that when the schedule came out, and based on the knowledge that there would be a great chance that this would be for the title, it has really been building for quite some time."
THRILLING CONTEST
The game certainly lived up to expectations.
The teams ended regulation tied at 28. After exchanging touchdowns in the first overtime, the Eagles took the lead with a field goal to start the second. The Porcupines responded with a touchdown to claim the victory.
It was the Porcupines’ ninth straight win since being upset 21-20 in their season opener at Joshua.
Springtown twice had two-touchdown leads, jumping out to a 14-0 early lead. After Decatur rallied to tie the game, the Porcupines again went up by two scores, 28-14 in the second half.
"From my perspective, the greatest part of the win is watching the pure childlike joy and excitement from, not only the players, but also from everyone in attendance," Hulett said. "It is such a team, school and whole community coming together moment that only happens in certain situations, and this is one of those times."
Making the championship even more impressive is the Porcupines having to overcome another opponent earlier in the week. The team was hit with an outbreak of the flu, which greatly hindered their opportunities to practice.
"We did get to practice every day. However, it was very limited on Monday, and close to not much on Tuesday," Hulett said. "We were able to do very little of any phase on Monday, zero special teams or offense on Tuesday, but by Wednesday we were able to do them all.
"Thursday was the only day of the week where we were at full strength."
Now the Porcupines have a bye this week before beginning the postseason against the fourth-place team from District 6-4A Division I late next week. Lake Worth (2-7, 2-2), Fort Worth Castleberry (4-5, 1-3) and Carrollton Ranchview (4-5, 1-3) are all vying for that position in the regular season's final week.
Lake Worth will host Ranchview Friday, Nov. 8 at 7:30 p.m. and defeated Castleberry 42-30 Oct. 25 at home. Castleberry defeated Ranchview 39-29 at home Oct. 18.
Porcupine leaders in the win over Decatur were:
Offensive — Quarterback Kaine Hill 12-of-21, 170 yards, three TD passing, 13 carries, 46 yards, TD rushing; running back Ryan Kirk 19 carries, 166 yards; running back Darren Sweely rushing TD; wide receiver Brayden Butler four catches, 78 yards, TD; tight end Karson Ferguson four catches, 74 yards, two TD.
Defensive — Middle linebacker Rome Ewell 19 tackles, one for loss; free safety Chase Thompson 16 tackles, one for loss; strong safety Aiden Adams 12 tackles; strong safety Sweely two interceptions returned for 64 yards total.
Hill has 26 touchdown passes opposite a single interception this season. Kirk has 832 yards and a handful of rushing TD.
The Springtown defense was impenetrable before the Decatur contest. The Porcupines outscored their first five league opponents 265-0.
STATE RANKING
In addition to the district championship, the Porcupines made their debut in the state's top 10 this week. They are ranked No. 10 in 'Dave Campbell's Texas Football' Class 4A Division I poll.
Outside of district, ironically, their lone loss of the season came to a Joshua team that will miss the postseason. However, at 5-4 overall, the Owls are playing Burleson Centennial for their first winning season since 1996.
Springtown also handed Graham, No. 3 in Class 4A Division II, its only loss of the season, 35-21 in Springtown Sept. 6. They also defeated perennial playoff team — including this season — Kennedale 34-17 in a road game Sept. 13.
This is the most regular-season victories for the Porcupines since 2019, when they were also 9-1 in the regular season and finished 13-2 with a state semifinals appearance.
The Porcupines are in the playoffs for a 13th straight season.
