PHOTO CREDIT: Brian McLean
BY BRIAN GOSSET
X – @Gosset41
It took all 48 minutes in regulation and then some for Aledo to keep its 17-year district winning streak going. The Bearcats got one of their biggest scares as the Royals were looking to hand Aledo its first district loss since 2007.
But behind Raycine Guillory’s six-touchdown night, the Bearcats rallied and then won in overtime 49-42 to extend the national win streak to 125 games.
Aledo improves to 7-1 overall and 6-0 in District 3-5A Div. 1.
Richland falls to 7-2 and 5-2.
Both teams have already locked up playoff spots while Aledo’s win pushes the program one step closer to a district championship for the 17th consecutive season. The Bearcats have one more big test next week against Azle (5-1 in district) during Week 10.
Richland led 35-21 with just under eight minutes to play in the third quarter. Hunter Moreno punched it in from the 1 for the Royals, who led 28-21 at the half. They also led by two touchdowns in the back end of the second quarter.
Guillory scored on a 43-yard TD to pull Aledo within 35-28 at the 6:56 mark of the third quarter. He added a 29-yard scamper that tied it midway through the fourth. Aledo’s defense came up with an interception and the Bearcats had the ball at the Royals’ 43-yard line.
Aledo’s star running back scored his fifth TD and fourth on the ground, and the Bearcats led 42-35 with 3:48 to play.
Richland didn’t fold – tying the game with 62 seconds left. QB Drew Kates hit Deon Jones on a 30-yard touchdown and the two teams went into overtime tied up 42-all.
The Royals had the ball first in the extra fame, but missed on a fourth down pass near the goal line. Aledo took over needing just a field goal to win. Guillory took his final hand off of the night and scored the game-winner on third and 3.
Aledo out gained Richland 545 to 432.
Guillory finished with 244 yards rushing and five touchdowns along with three catches for 38 yards and one score. Kaydon Finley had nine grabs for 177 yards and one score while QB Gavin Beard threw for 252 yards on 17 of 32 passing and two TDs.
Richland was led by Kates, who totaled 359 yards (17-32-235, 124 rushing) and two touchdowns in the air. Moreno rushed 18 times for 52 yards and three TDs and Kenyan Long added one rushing score. Jones had 10 receptions for 167 yards and both touchdown catches.
