Waxahachie Holds Off Guyer 44-30 in High-Stakes Showdown

Waxahachie came into this matchup as one of the top teams in the state, and the Indians backed that billing with a 44-30 victory over Denton Guyer that wasn't decided until the final minutes.

The Wildcats kept it close through three quarters, trailing just 21-20 after a Carter Morgan-led drive cut the deficit to one. But a pivotal kickoff return changed the complexion of the game. Jordan Smith bobbled the kick, appeared to be in trouble as he ran into defenders on the right side, then reversed field to the left and turned on the jets for a 97-yard touchdown. The two-point conversion pushed Waxahachie's lead to 29-20.

Guyer quarterback Carter Morgan kept the Wildcats in it, connecting with DJ Reese on a deep ball after being flushed from the pocket to set up a touchdown and pull Guyer within 37-30 in the fourth quarter. With 1:24 remaining and the ball at the Waxahachie 9-yard line, Morgan had a chance to tie it — but Renard Jennings crushed him, the ball came loose, and Jayvon Moore scooped it up and went 80 yards to put the game away.

Taylan Strange carried the load on the ground for Waxahachie, finishing with 192 rushing yards including a short touchdown run in the second half that gave the Indians the lead for good. Khyren Haywood and the Guyer offense showed flashes, but turnovers at critical moments proved too costly against a Waxahachie squad that has established itself among the state's elite programs.