Arlington Seguin Clinches Playoff Spot with Dramatic Fake Punt

UPDATE: In a thrilling finish, the Arlington Seguin Cougars secured a 23-22 victory over the Mansfield Summit Jaguars, clinching a coveted playoff spot in District 3-5A Division II on July 15, 2023. The game, held at Vernon Newsom Stadium, turned on a pivotal fake punt executed by senior wide receiver Johnaven Polk, who delivered a crucial 32-yard pass in the final minutes.

Polk, who has demonstrated his versatility throughout the season, expressed the intensity of the moment, stating, “We worked on that play in practice this week, but not in that kind of wind. I had to do a little of everything, and our team is a monster that keeps fighting.” This decisive play came as Seguin was clinging to a one-point lead with just three minutes remaining in the game.

With the victory, Seguin (7-3, 5-3 in 3-5A Division II) not only secured their second consecutive playoff appearance but also marked the ninth in school history. They will enter the playoffs as the fourth seed, preparing for a first-round road game.

In stark contrast, Mansfield Summit (6-4, 5-3) faced disappointment, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year after a series of five straight appearances from 2018 to 2023. The Jaguars nearly mounted a comeback, reaching the Seguin 36-yard line on their final possession before an incompletion in the end zone sealed their fate.

“I felt good about the way we were coming back in the second half,” said Summit coach Channon Hall.

Both teams entered the game in a “win-or-go-home” scenario, and the stakes were evident early on. The first half saw struggles with scoring, as both teams combined for only eight points. Summit initially struck first with a swift 63-yard drive culminating in a 54-yard touchdown run by quarterback Ian Gebhardt.

Seguin responded midway through the second quarter with a determined 52-yard drive, highlighted by a 21-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Chevy Andrews to G’Manii Smith, leveling the game at 8-8 by halftime.

The second half featured a turnaround for Seguin, who scored on their first two possessions, taking control with a 23-8 lead. Polk’s contributions included two rushing touchdowns, one for 10 yards and another for 4 yards, showcasing his dynamic playmaking ability.

Summit, however, refused to back down. Gebhardt, who returned from a brief injury, led scoring drives that brought the Jaguars within striking distance, including a 10-yard touchdown run at the end of the third quarter and a 2-yard touchdown by running back Adarion Nettles in the fourth.

The dramatic conclusion mirrored the previous year’s playoff scenario, where Seguin also triumphed over Summit. “Our coaches do a great job of getting with the kids at halftime on adjustments,” said Seguin head coach Joe Gordon, crediting their strong second-half performance.

As the Cougars celebrate their hard-fought victory, the Jaguars will regroup and look to the future, reflecting on a season filled with promise yet ultimately falling short of their playoff aspirations. The upcoming playoff matchup will be crucial for Seguin as they aim to carry their momentum forward.

Stay tuned for more updates and insights as the playoffs approach!