The Stratford offense and defense came up with the big plays in the second half to rally past Falls City, 39-27, to win the 2A Division II UIL State Championship.
Stratford’s Dru Jones had two fourth-quarter TD receptions and an interception for the Elks. Elk quarterback Cody Rinne threw for 282 yards and the two touchdowns to Jones.
Stratford took the lead for good on a 14-yard touchdown TD reception from Jones to take a 33-27 lead with 6:36 left in the game. However, the extra point was missed, leaving an opening for Falls City to take the lead back.
However, the Stratford defense came up with a fumble recovery to get the ball back. The Elks then ran the clock down to 1:30, but they faced a 4th and 10 after Falls City called a timeout.
Jones then caught a 32-yard TD pass that was just over two defenders to make it 39-27 with 1:24 left in the game. Jones then sealed the game with an interception.
Stratford trailed for the entire first half, but came up with an onside kick to start the second half to start a third-quarter rally to take a 27-21 lead with 2:25 left in the third quarter in the UIL Class 2A Division II state championship game.
However, on the first play of the fourth quarter, Falls City scored on a 52-yard TD reception for Grant Jendrusch but the Elks blocked the extra point to keep the score tied at 27-27 with 11:48 left in the game.
Stratford dominated in total offense in the game, 506 to 226, but Falls City had an 85-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Jaxon Pipes. Pipes also had a leaping 27-yard TD reception to open the scoring.
The Stratford defense held Falls City to 25 rushing yards in the game.
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