Instant classic in Texas high school football playoffs features 1,176 yards, 119 points as Rockwall shocks No. 11 Allen

By Mitch Stephens Nov 23, 2019, 8:45pm

Yellowjackets convert two-point conversion in final two minutes to pull out wild game that included six lead changes and 15 catches for 252 yards and six touchdowns from Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

Video: Game of the Year
Rockwall's improbable 60-59 win over Allen had everything.

They thought the game last year was pretty good.

With all due respect, that one paled in comparison to Rockwall's 60-59 Texas Division 6A-1 second-round playoff win over 11th-ranked Allen on Friday that clearly earned the moniker as an instant Texas classic.

In a game that featured 1,176 yards, 49 first downs, six lead changes and four ties according to the Dallas Morning News, Braedyn Locke completed a 2-yard touchdown to Kade Klinkovsky to pull within one with 1:23 left before JJ Williams hauled in a two-point conversion for the winning score.

The last time the teams met in the post season was last season and Allen won 52-40 in a game that featured 1,100 yards. This one was 38-38 at halftime and the offenses combined for 802 yards.
Ohio State-bound Jaxon Smith-Njigba with one of his 15 catches and five touchdown receptions.
Ohio State-bound Jaxon Smith-Njigba with one of his 15 catches and five touchdown receptions.
Photo by Neil Fonville
Locke (30-of-42, 411 yards, 6 touchdowns) and Ohio State-bound Jaxon Smith-Njigba (15 catches, 252 yards, 5 TDs) were remarkable all night and simply could not be stopped. The Yellowjackets (10-2) prohibited Allen (11-1) from reaching its seventh straight state semifinal appearance.



Rockwall took a pair of two-touchdown leads, the second on a 1-yard run by Smith-Njigba to go up 52-38 with two minutes to go in the third quarter. But Allen came roaring back as Raylen Sharpe (15-of-28, 459 yards, 5 TDs) completed a 75-yard TD pass to Jordan Johnson and then ran for a 7-yard touchdown to tie things at 52-52.

Justin Hall gave Allen a 59-52 lead with 7:41 left on a 2-yard run, before Klindkovsky hauled in the 2-yarder from Locke. Rockwall went for the win and Williams hauled in the two-pointer from Caden Marshall for the win.

Beyond his big passing numbers, Sharpe also rushed for 112 yards. Zach Henry added 29 carries for 136 yards and a touchdown for Rockwall.
Rockwall players celebrate their wild win over Allen.
Rockwall players celebrate their wild win over Allen.
Photo by Neil Fonville
Blaine Green, who had four catches for 91 yards, celebrates a first-half 56-yard scoring strike from Raylen Sharpe.
Blaine Green, who had four catches for 91 yards, celebrates a first-half 56-yard scoring strike from Raylen Sharpe.
Photo by Neil Fonville
Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) receives congratulations for one of his six touchdowns, five receiving, in Friday's 60-59 win over Allen.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) receives congratulations for one of his six touchdowns, five receiving, in Friday's 60-59 win over Allen.
Photo by Neil Fonville
Allen quarterback Raylen Sharpe threw for five touchdowns in the loss.
Allen quarterback Raylen Sharpe threw for five touchdowns in the loss.
Photo by Neil Fonville