UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown, the Arlington Seguin Cougars have clinched a playoff spot after a nail-biting 23-22 victory over the Mansfield Summit Jaguars at Vernon Newsom Stadium last night. The decisive moment came from a daring fake punt executed by senior wide receiver Johnaven Polk, who connected on a crucial 32-yard pass with G’Manii Smith in the final minutes of the game.
The stakes were high in this “win-or-go-home” match, with Seguin needing the victory to secure their place in the playoffs. “We worked on that play in practice this week, but not in that kind of wind,” Polk remarked after the game. “I had to do a little of everything, and our team is a monster that keeps fighting.”
Seguin was holding a narrow one-point lead when they faced a critical 4th-and-7 from their own 43-yard line with just three minutes remaining. Head coach Joe Gordon made the call for the fake punt, knowing the urgency of the situation. “I didn’t want them to have the ball with that much time left,” Gordon stated, reflecting on the intensity of the game.
With this victory, Seguin (7-3, 5-3 in District 3-5A Division II) not only earned their second consecutive playoff appearance but also marked the ninth playoff trip in the school’s history. They will enter the playoffs as the fourth seed and are set for a first-round road game. Meanwhile, Mansfield Summit (6-4, 5-3) will miss the playoffs for the second consecutive year after a streak of five straight appearances from 2018-2023.
The Jaguars put up a valiant fight, coming close to a comeback with senior quarterback Ian Gebhardt, who rushed for 152 yards and scored a touchdown to narrow the gap. However, their final possession ended in disappointment at the Seguin 36-yard line with an incompletion in the end zone.
Both teams had struggles in the first half, with a combined total of 13 penalties for 140 yards. Summit started strong, quickly going 63 yards in just three plays, with Gebhardt scoring on a stunning 54-yard run. But Seguin responded with a 52-yard drive that culminated in a touchdown, leveling the score at 8-8 by halftime.
As the second half unfolded, Seguin found their momentum, scoring two quick touchdowns and taking control of the game. Polk’s dual-threat ability showed as he rushed for two touchdowns, contributing significantly to the Cougars’ success.
Looking ahead, Seguin aims to build on this momentum as they prepare for their upcoming playoff game. Fans and players alike are eager to see how this victory will propel them into postseason play.
Stay tuned for further developments as Seguin’s playoff journey continues.
