As the playoffs neared Pasadena Memorial, and Deer Park faced head to head in a very heated rivalry on a chilly Thursday night in Houston, Texas. Pasadena looked to pick up its first win against Deer Park even though both teams had already secured a playoff birth.
The chilly weather was no match for the intensity demonstrated by the fans, and the players on the sideline, as both the Pasadena Memorial Mavericks, and the Deer Park Deer, looked to establish themselves as the top dog in their district before playoffs.
On its first offensive possession Deer Park managed to get the ball all the way to the 35 yard line in Maverick territory, but were stopped by a superb run stopping defense demonstrated by Pasadena. Deer Park had to settle for a 35 yard field goal by Jacob O’Neal who came up big in this game for Deer Park. Just as Deer Park rumbled into Maverick territory before being stopped short, Pasadena Memorial was put in the same situation, as they settled for a field goal attempt that was converted by Antonio Cabrera from 40 yards out.
As the first quarter ticked away, the score was 3-3. In the second quarter both teams were reluctant to coordinate a successful drive into the others end zone, and were locked in a game of field position. As the crowd began to prepare for the halftime show, Deer Park established took the lead as Jacob O’Neil converted a 25 yard field goal, and once again proved why the kicker is one of the most important positions in football. The score at halftime was 6-3 in favor of Deer Park.
The second half began with continued dominance by Deer Park. The Deer would finally find the end zone as Jarrod Blocker danced his way in from 4 yards out giving his team a commanding 13-3 over the Mavericks. Pasadena would once again try to find a way to put points on the board, but the performance on this night by the Deer Park defense was spectacular ; holding Memorial to only nine first downs in this game, and pressuring Pasadena QB Brian Schultz which resulted in two interceptions. Deer Park kicker Jacob O’Neil would add his contribution to this game once more with a 37 yard field goal. O’Neil was named the most valuable player for Deer Park in this game.
Next week Deer Park looks to soar into the second round of the playoffs, when they face Beaumont Westbrook. Pasadena Memorial looks to also push their way deep into the playoffs when they take on Baytown Lee.
