Arlington Seguin Secures Playoff Spot with Dramatic Fake Punt

UPDATE: Arlington Seguin clinched a playoff berth in a nail-biting finish, defeating Mansfield Summit 23-22 during a do-or-die showdown at Vernon Newsom Stadium on July 15, 2023. The Cougars’ victory was highlighted by a crucial 32-yard pass from Johnaven Polk on a fake punt in the game’s final moments.

In a game where every play mattered, Seguin faced a critical 4th-and-7 from their own 43-yard line with just three minutes remaining. Polk, a senior wide receiver, executed the play flawlessly, ensuring the Cougars maintained their one-point lead. “I had to do a little of everything and our team is a monster that keeps fighting,” Polk stated after the game.

The victory marks Seguin’s second consecutive playoff appearance and the ninth in the school’s history. With a final record of 7-3 and 5-3 in District 3-5A Division II, the Cougars secured the fourth seed and will face tough competition in their upcoming first-round playoff road game.

Mansfield Summit, now with a record of 6-4 and 5-3, saw their playoff hopes dashed for the second consecutive year, following a streak of five straight appearances from 2018 to 2023. Coach Channon Hall expressed disappointment but noted, “I felt good about the way we were coming back in the second half.”

Summit managed to make a late-game push, reaching the Seguin 36-yard line on their final drive, but ultimately fell short with an incomplete pass in the end zone.

The game mirrored last year’s playoff situation, where Seguin triumphed over Summit 36-28. Head coach Joe Gordon credited his team’s resilience, stating, “Our coaches do a great job of getting with the kids at halftime on adjustments.” The Cougars surged in the second half, converting their first two possessions into touchdowns and taking a commanding 23-8 lead after halftime.

Polk led the charge with two touchdown runs of 10 and 4 yards, showcasing his versatility with a total of 24 yards on six carries and three catches for 30 yards. Summit’s senior quarterback Ian Gebhardt fought back valiantly, rushing for 152 yards on 18 carries and scoring twice in the second half to keep his team in contention.

The game was marred by penalties, with officials calling 13 penalties for 140 yards in the first half, causing frustration for both teams. Despite a challenging first half where both teams only managed 8 points, the intensity ramped up in the final quarters.

As Arlington Seguin prepares for their playoff matchup, the focus shifts to their next opponent, with fans eager to see if the Cougars can carry their momentum into the postseason.

Stay tuned for further updates and coverage of high school sports, and don’t forget to share this thrilling victory with fellow fans!