Ennis Survives Physical Test From The Colony
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Senior Analyst, TheOldCoach.com
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WAXAHACHIE The Ennis Lions (11-2) won their eleventh straight game Friday night but it wasn't easy as they survived a brutal test from a very physical The Colony Cougar (9-4) squad 49-35 in front of a full house at Lumpkins Stadium.
Ennis was led by their offense which picked up the slack for a defense that struggled all night containing a patient and potent The Colony rushing attack. QB Devin Smith led the way for the Lions throwing for 219 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 110 yards and two scores. The Colony was led by sensational junior RB Khalil Banks who ran for 188 yards and three scores and also caught a 43 yard pass in the losing effort.
The Colony started out with a bang as after holding Ennis on downs to start the game, the Cougars broke through on their second offensive play as Tate Alanis broke loose for a 76 yard run and a 6-0 TCHS lead. Ennis would quickly answer with back to back scores as Dee Wilson scored on a 66 yard run and then after a successful onside kick, Smith would score from two yards out and the Lions quickly had a 14-6 edge.
The Colony would answer in a big way as Banks on the first play of the ensuing drive ripped off a 69 yard touchdown run to cut the lead to 14-13. TCHS was not done as Alanis and Banks would both score in succession after back to back punts and TCHS held a 27-14 edge late in the second quarter. Ennis would swing the momentum back their way late in the half as they took advantage of two busted coverages in the Cougars secondary to take a 28-27 lead before halftime. The first score was a 44 yard pass from Smith to 6'6 WR Donta Thompson and the second came with less than two minutes left in the half on a 55 yard strike to Desten Johnson.
The third quarter flew by as after an exchange of punts, The Colony would go on a lengthy march to take the lead back at 35-28 as Banks scored from three yards out and added the two point conversion to put the lead at seven. Ennis, however would totally dominate the fourth quarter outscoring TCHS 21-0 starting with a four yard run by Taylor Thompson to tie the game. After an interception by Ennis DB Trey Edwards was returned deep into Lion territory, Smith found Donta Thompson for their second hook up, this time on a fade route and a 42-35 lead. The Colony on their final drive of importance would pick up a first down, but then a key holding penalty would push the Cougars back and force them to punt with little more than three minutes left and needing a stop. They wouldn't get that stop as Smith would dash around right end down the sideline for the game sealing 60 yard touchdown run and the final margin in the 49-35 win.
Ennis will look to lock up their second straight regional title next week as they take on the winner of Saturday's South Oak Cliff-Frisco Heritage game being played at the Cotton Bowl.