CLYDE, TX — The Sterling City Eagles (7-4) entered the second round of the UIL Texas High School Playoffs 2A Division II against the Windhorst Trojans (7-4) in Breckenridge on Thursday night, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m.
Sterling City stunned the Miles Bulldogs last week and looked to replicate that same success against the Trojans. Unfortunately, explosive plays crippled Sterling City all night, and despite an admirable comeback attempt, the Eagles fell 43-29.
The Trojans blew out of the gate and scored on their first drive. After several plays drove the ball inside the Eagles' 5-yard line, Trojans’ Tyler Comacho scored a 2-yard touchdown. Windhorst took the early lead, 7-0.
After Sterling City punted the ball away, the Trojans got into the end zone again early in the 2nd quarter on a 16-yard run by Landon Maclemore. Sterling City’s Tristan Himes continued to work for Sterling City and set the Eagles up in Trojans’ territory after a massive run on the ensuing possession. Johnny Monreal then sprinted into the end zone for 16-yards and the Eagles' first touchdown. After the 2-point conversion, the Eagles trailed 14-8.
Windhorst continued to have success on offense. Cope scored from 51 yards out, then added another touchdown later in the quarter. The Trojans led 28-8 with 2:14 left in the half.
However, Sterling City refused to fall too far behind. Monreal added his second touchdown on the first play of the drive. He took a pitch and sprinted up the sideline for 52 yards and a touchdown. The Eagles trailed 28-16 with 2:02 remaining.
Windhorst added a touchdown on a pick-6 before the half ended, and the Eagles headed to the locker room down by 19 points, 35-16.
Sterling City opened the 2nd half with two straight touchdowns. First, a 5-yard touchdown pass from Ty Turner to Marquis Johnson. Then, a 4-yard touchdown run by Tristan Himes. The Eagles trailed by six nearing the end of the 3rd quarter, 35-29.
Sterling City’s defense played well throughout the game but did not manage to stop the Trojans in the 4th quarter. After turning the ball over on downs, the Eagles needed a quick stop for a chance to come back. The Trojans added one more score, then ran out the clock.
The Sterling City Eagles (7-5) fought to the bitter end but lost 43-29. Sterling City exceeded expectations as a football team this year. Transitioning back to 11-man football from 6-man can not be easy, but Head Coach Trey Sisco put together a hard-working team that never quit.
(Credit: James Bouligny)
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