In a game marred by crucial penalties and three turnovers (2 fumbles and an interception), the Shadow Creek Sharks lost in the first playoff round to Ft. Bend Elkins 31-28.
Elkins got their first score of the game on an interception returned for a touchdown, but the missed point after left them with a 6-0 lead. Dante Mayes countered with a 5-yard touchdown run after driving the Sharks downfield, putting the Sharks ahead 7-6.
That lead would be short-lived as Elkins countered with a drive culminating in a 15-yard touchdown run by Tyson Craft, putting them back on top 13-7 in the first quarter.
Elkins opened the second quarter scoring after recovering a fumble by the Sharks’ Mayes. QB Romin Seymour connected on a 35-yard touchdown pass to Saxon Gumabong to push the score to 20-7.
After a 52-yard run, Elkins scored again on a Matthew White 45-yard field goal to increase their lead to 23-7. The Sharks countered the score with a toe-tap end-zone reception by Ashton Jones for another Shark touchdown.
After a turnover on downs, Mayes connected on a 51-yard touchdown pass to Rahim Hutchins to put the Sharks within two points, 23-21.
The third quarter was a defensive battle, with no scoring, but early in the fourth, Mayes connected on a bobbled pass to Chris Stewart with a diving one-handed catch across the goal line to put the Sharks ahead for the last time, 28-23. Ekins then drove the field to score and, with a successful two-point conversion, closed the game at 31-28.
The Sharks finish the season 9-2 overall, while Elkins moves on to the next round to take on Kingwood this Friday. Rahim Hutchins races to the endzone on a 51 yard TD pass from Dante Mayes —photos by Michael McManus
Chris Stewart & Rahim Hutchins celebrate a Shark touchdown by Stewart on a bobbled throw. —photos by Michael McManus
