In the fourth quarter of big games,
Kyler Murray is simply magical.
The Texas A&M commit led
Allen (Texas) to a game-tying score on a 46-yard touchdown run and later powered a drive that set up a game-winning field goal with no time left to defeat
DeSoto (Texas) 25-22 on Saturday afternoon.
The win marks the third consecutive year that Allen has ended DeSoto's season.
Murray, who finished with three rushing touchdowns, helped Allen overcome a 22-14 fourth quarter deficit, the second year in a row he's led a fourth quarter comeback against DeSoto.
Initially, it looked as if Allen might win more easily than the previous two matchups. It raced to a 14-0 lead and held DeSoto scoreless in the first quarter.
DeSoto head coach Claude Mathis made adjustments in the second quarter and held Allen scoreless in the frame. That allowed Larry Nixon to tie the score at 14-14 thanks to a 42-yard receiving touchdown and a 1-yard touchdown run.
DeSoto took a lead in the third quarter when quarterback
Tristen Wallace scored on a 23-yard touchdown. A successful two-point conversion made it 22-14. For a moment, it looked as if DeSoto might finally be able to overcome its nemesis.
However, right on cue, Murray made just enough big plays to keep Allen's dream of a third consecutive state title alive.
With the victory, Allen will take on Arlington Martin next weekend in the regional semifinals.
View images by MaxPreps photographer Neil Fonville from the game at AT&T Stadium (home of the Dallas Cowboys) in Arlington:
Allen quarterback Kyler Murray scores on a 46-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
Photos by Neil Fonville
Kyler Murray eludes a diving DeSoto defender while scoring on his 46-yard run.
DeSoto quarterback Tristen Wallace carries during the game.
Allen linebacker Jakob Yandell (left) and defensive back Anthony Taylor (right) bring down DeSoto receiver Kevin Thomas.
Allen players and fans celebrate the playoff victory as the game ends at AT&T Stadium on Saturday.
Kyler Murray and his teammates celebrate following their playoff victory over DeSoto.
