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Spartans Fall to the Huskies

November 18, 2007

TJ football's first defeat ends their amazing season with a 34-19 loss to Douglas County.

 

by Marc Houghton

 

dougcty-71.jpg    The Spartan football boys put forth a valiant effort in their final game of the season, as they were knocked out of the playoffs in a 34-19 loss to Douglas County on Friday night at All City Stadium.  TJ played to the final whistle, but the Huskies' running attack and strong rush defense led them to the victory, and a spot in the final four of the 5A state playoffs.

    After a Douglas County field goal on their first drive of the game, neither team’s offense made much ground until late in the second quarter.  Huskies running back Jose Astorga put up the first touchdown of the game on an 18 yard touchdown run with just over four minutes left in the half.  TJ’s offense answered quickly on a 66 yard touchdown pass from Michael Mankoff to Billy Sprague one minute later.  On their next drive, two passes to Sprague and some crucial first down runs by Mankoff led to a 21 yard touchdown pass to Brandon Lowe, putting the Spartans up 13-10 at halftime. 

    After depending on the running game most of the season, TJ’s offense showed its versatility as they focused on the pass when Douglas County didn’t give them any room to run in the first quarter.  Sophomore Billy Sprague, who has shown his talents all season at wide receiver, had a game to remember.  With 13 receptions for over 200 yards receiving and two touchdowns. Sprague was the go-to man all night for the Spartans offense.  

    Douglas County came out running at the start of the second half, as Astorga ran for a 63 yard touchdown less than one minute into the third quarter.  One more touchdown from Astorga, a 63 yard passing score, and a field goal put TJ down 34-13 in the middle of the fourth quarter.  Never giving up, the Spartans offense manufactured a touchdown after more passes to Sprague and Lowe led to a two-yard touchdown pass to Sprague with five minute left in the game.  Mankoff had a great game throwing the ball, with 17 completions on 33 attempts for 278 yards and three touchdowns.  But the Huskies held TJ on their last two drives of the game, and came out with the 34-19 win. 

    With this first defeat of the year, the Spartans’ season comes to an end.  Putting up a fight all game and never giving in, TJ proved that it is among the top teams in the state.  Led by a strong group of seniors and some very talented underclassmen, the Spartans had an outstanding year, going undefeated in the regular season with a great playoff run.  TJ football will be back next year, ready to work towards another amazing season. 

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Written by Marc Houghton · Filed Under Football, Headlines, Sports