(Post sponsored by Tinsley Law & Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, Gibson Pharmacy, GILBERT ELECTRIC)
By Michael V. Hannigan
FRISCO -- Big plays by the defense and special teams powered Malakoff past Brock Thursday night, 38-31, earning the Tigers a chance to play for the state title next week against Franklin.
The biggest play came with the score tied 31-31 and under two minutes left in regulation. Doc Renberg chased down Brock quarterback Brody Woods, hitting him as he started to throw. The ball went up in the air and was intercepted by Daniel Norrell, who rumbled 29 yards to the Brock 16.
Five plays later, Malakoff's Mike Jones scored the winning touchdown on a quarterback sneak.
"This was an unreal game. It was back and forth," said Malakoff Coach Jamie Driskell. "Our kids never quit. We kind of kept grinding."
It was certainly a grind for the Tigers at first.
Brock broke out on top 10-0 after a field goal and a 43-yard interception return for a touchdown in the first five minutes of the game.
But on a night defined by big plays, the defense got the Tigers rolling when Parker Poteete returned a fumble 67 yards to make it 10-7.
That kicked off a 24-7 run by Malakoff through the second and third quarters to set up the late drama.
It was all fueled by big plays.
First, the two teams traded long touchdown runs, with Mike Jones scoring on a 52-yarder for Malakoff. The score was 17-14 at the half.
Renberg blocked a Brock punt in the third quarter, setting the Tigers up for a field goal. On the ensuing kickoff, James Studley stripped the Brock ball carrier and raced 35 yards to give Malakoff its first lead of the game, 24-17.
Renberg had a huge game for the Tigers, adding a 57-yard touchdown reception to his blocked punt and the forced interception.
"Huge plays," said Coach Driskell.
Malakoff not only beat Brock on the field, it beat them in the stands as well. Tiger fans filled The Star in Frisco, and the energy was palpable on the field.
"They were great. They were loud," said Coach Driskell. "It was unbelievable. We had a lot of people here, and hopefully we get a lot of people at AT&T Stadium next week."
There's one game left in the Tiger's 2023 football season.
See you next week at AT&T.
SCORING SUMMARY
BROCK -- 1Q, 7:31 -- Caiden Riddle 34-yard field goal. -- 3-0
BROCK -- 1Q, 6:51 -- Colt Matlock 43-yard interception return. Caiden Riddle kick good. -- 10-0
MALAKOFF -- 1Q, 2:15 -- Parker Poteete 67-yard fumble return. Landen Boswell kick good. -- 10-7
BROCK -- 2Q, 10:07 -- Brett Tutter 61-yard run. Caiden Riddle kick good. -- 17-7
MALAKOFF -- 2Q, 8:08 -- Mike Jones 52-yard run. Landen Boswell kick good. -- 17-14
MALAKOFF -- 3Q, 4:41 -- Landen Boswell 29-yard field goal. -- 17-17
MALAKOFF -- 3Q, 4:30 -- James Studley 35-yard fumble return. Landen Boswell kick good. -- 24-17
BROCK -- 3Q, 2:08 -- Brett Tutter 4-yard run. Caiden Riddle kick good. -- 24-24
MALAKOFF -- 3Q, 1:14 -- Mike Jones 57-yard pass to Doc Renberg. Landen Boswell kick good. -- 31-24
BROCK -- 4Q, 10:07 -- Brody Woods 12-yard run. Caiden Riddle kick good. -- 31-31
MALAKOFF -- 4Q, 0:19 -- Mike Jones 1-yard run. Landen Boswell kick good. -- 38-31
PLAYOFFS: Malakoff downs Brock, earns berth in State Championship Game