Knights’ second-half comeback falls short in state quarterfinals

When they were freshmen, observers weren’t all that impressed with Holy Cross’ football class of 2014. Think of 2012 Olympic gymnast McKayla Maroney and her dour expression after receiving a medal that wasn’t gold.

This season rendered those doubts among the Knights’ faithful. In fact, the seniors helped extend Holy Cross’ recent string of successes.

“This group of kids,” Holy Cross coach Mike Harrison said, “I find it humorous that, as freshmen, they were one of our most maligned groups. People would say they’re not going to be very good and they don’t have that kind of talent. It’s a testament to their ability, what they were able to accomplish.

“They really represent what it means to be a student-athlete.”

Holy Cross (8-4) shared the TAPPS 3-II championship this season after winning the district outright the previous two seasons. Saturday, the Knights played in its third-consecutive Division II quarterfinal game.

A late comeback effort wasn’t able to push Holy Cross to the semifinals. Katy Pope John XXIII (9-2) prevailed 22-14 at Buffalo Stadium in Giddings with a touchdown in the final minute.

“I think we let one get away,” Harrison said. “We didn’t have our best game of the year. We really didn’t, and it’s unfortunate, not to take anything away from a very good (Pope John XXIII) team.”

Holy Cross 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 back 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.

“We had our chances and we didn’t execute,” Harrison said. “I don’t want to take anything away from the Lions. They had a really good game plan. They had two very good backs, one that went 225-230 and the other went about 210. And they had a pretty good offensive line. They also had some athletes and some speed. “We just didn’t play that well – and it kills me.”

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, Moore scored the backbreaker on a 10-yard sprint.

Having three 100-yard rushers helped the suburban Houston school overcome four turnovers forced by Holy Cross. John Paul outgained Holy Cross 393-317 in total yards.

“We outscored them 14-8 in the second half and we came up with four turnovers,” Harrison said. “Ninety percent of the time, if we force four turnovers and have more than 300 yards, we’re going to win.

“It just wasn’t meant to be yesterday.”

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.

“Losing Greg Kelly will be hard,” Harrison said. “In my 27 years of coaching, he was one of the best players and leaders I’ve ever had.

“He had more than 60 catches for 900 yards, he ran for about 200 yards, he threw a touchdown pass he had three picks, had a punt return for a touchdown and an interception return for a touchdown. He’s such an amazing talent.”

Holy Cross defined itself in the previous four games.

After defeating Central Catholic in the Holy Bowl, the Knights lost to Antonian and Navarro, allowing 40 or more points in each game. They won their first games in District 3-II before hitting a bump in the road.

Following a seven-point loss to Austin Regents, Holy Cross defeated Cornerstone Christian and Victoria St. Joseph by a combined 96-0 total to earn a first-place showdown against Austin Hyde Park Baptist in Austin. The Knights prevailed 28-14 to share the title and began the playoffs with a 55-28 win over Houston Northland Christian at Harlandale Memorial Stadium Nov. 16.

“I think what was really good about our kids,” Harrison said, “they went through district undefeated the last two years. When we were in the 5A district, we were the only team ever to beat Austin St. Michael’s, something I’m still very proud of. To me, that was a huge statement about where the program is headed.

”These kids, a lot of people tried to refute them and denounce them, but it’s a huge credit for them to go on after that and win a district championship.”

After the final game of the season, Holy Cross traditionally separates the seniors from the prospective returning players.

“I promise you, this is a great group of kids,” Harrison said, referring to the entire team. “We take the kids coming back and move them to the side. We give them a hurrah and talk about what we’re going to do next year.

“Then we say goodbye to the seniors. It was hard to say goodbye to this group of seniors.”

Scott (1,577 rushing yards), who emerged ahead of a group of contenders to win the running back job, and Southside-transfer Flores (1,727 passing yards and 1,137 rushing yards) lead the group of returnees. The Knights will have some repair work to do on defense with just four returning starters.

“I’m excited about where we’re going with this,” Harrison said. “We’ve won three district championships, three area championships and been to three area championships now. Obviously, our goal for next year will be to get to the next round and the next level. That’s going to be our battle cry in the off season.”