Knights’ second-half comeback falls short in state quarterfinals

Three 100-yard rushers helped Katy Pope John XXIII (9-2) overcome four turnovers and defeat Holy Cross Saturday in a TAPPS Division II quarterfinal game.

Holy Cross, which finished its season with an 8-4 record, fought back to tie it 14-14 after falling behind by two touchdowns. However, the Lions produced a long kickoff return following the tying touchdown and manufactured a game-winning drive.

Pope John XXIII won 22-14 at Buffalo Stadium in Giddings.

Greg Moore, who recorded a game-high 160 rushing yards on 25 attempts, opened the scoring with a 12-yard run with 5:27 left in the first quarter. Lions quarterback Graham Secades (100 yards, 12 carries) ran for the two-point conversion, then provided his team’s second touchdown on a nine-yard run about four minutes into the second period.

The Knights scored on a 19-yard pass from Cisco Flores (12 of 22, 126 yards) to junior Steve Villela. Flores also ran 12 times for 87 yards.

With 3:39 remaining in the game, Greg Scott (88 yards, 17 carries) pounded up the middle for a four-yard touchdown that tied it 14-14. At the 31-second mark, Maore scored the backbreaker on a 10-yard sprint.

John Paul outgained Holy Cross 393-317 in total yards. Edd Williams ran for 128 of the Lions’ 392 rushing yards. John Paul only attempted three passes, but had an interception to go with three fumbles.

Holy Cross committed one turnover. Senior receiver Greg Kelly caught five passes for 77 yards in his final game for the Knights.

The loss ended a four-game winning streak for Holy Cross.