Texas High Holds Off Greenville, 28-13

[By Josh Richert, Special to ETSN.fm]

GREENVILLE — Jaylen Rhone intercepted a fourth-down attempt and returned it 95 yards to help Texas High survive a scare from Greenville, 28-13, at Cotton Ford Stadium Friday.

Rhone, who caught a TD in the first half, converged on the pass with three other Tiger defenders, secured the ball—something THS struggled with on defense all night—and raced 95 yards to nail down the victory with 20 seconds remaining. That snapped a 13-point rally by the Lions after Texas High had jumped out to  21-point lead.

Cade Pearson threw three touchdowns—two to Jarion Anderson covering 8 and 5 yards—and was picked twice himself. J'Kardi Witcher had 83 rushing yards on 18 totes, and Pearson finished 13 of 21 for 118 yards.

The Tigers intercepted Greenville three times, but dropped three other would-be picks and failed to secure any of the four fumbles by the Lions.

Greenville kept the ball away from the Tigers for much of the first half, shortening the game by running the ball and moving the chains.

The Lions also overcame four fumbles and an interception to keep the score within two TDs at halftime.

Pearson hit Rhone for a 9-yard touchdown to finish off Texas High's first drive, after the defense forced a three-and-out and punt from the Lion 10 to the 40. Six plays later, Pearson found Rhone open in the back of the end zone with 7:21 left in the first quarter.

The teams traded punts on the next two drives, and Dee Jones came up with his sixth interception of the season for a touchback. Eight plays later Pearson threw to Jarion Anderson out of the backfield, and Anderson dove for the goal line for a 5-yard TD with 5:55 left before halftime.

Ethan Montez's extra point made it 14-0.

Jerry Wrightner also had an interception for the Tigers.

Greenville's scores came on a pick-6 by linebacker Devon Charrier and a fake punt where Treveon Heard connected with Shaquille Riley for a 45-yard score. The Lions were driving for a potential tying score, with a TD and successful 2-point conversion, when Rhone came up with his pick-6.