Tyler Lee Suffers Yet Another Crushing Defeat, 63-61 to North Mesquite

MESQUITE -- The 2016 season took an all-too-familiar turn for Tyler Lee on Friday night.

The Red Raiders took advantage of a fumbled snap as North Mesquite attempted to take a knee and run out the clock, scored a touchdown to cut the deficit to two points, but after a missed two-point conversion and failed onside kick attempt, the Stallions were able to escape with a 63-61 win at E.H. Hanby Stadium.

Lee (2-7, 0-6 in District 11-6A) has lost in crushing fashion in each of the last three weeks, all three instances coming in the game's final minute.

North Mesquite (4-5, 3-3) fumbled at its own 5, and Lee quarterback Chance Amie's touchdown with seven seconds remaining gave the Red Raiders a chance. But an incompletion on the two-point attempt, followed by the Stallions' recovery of the ensuing onside kick, sealed Lee's fate.

Lee trailed 63-48 following North Mesquite quarterback Ja'Quez Gooch's 66-yard touchdown run with five minutes to play.

Amie's 18-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Printers cut the Stallions' lead to 63-55 with 1:21 remaining. Makyle Sanders then recovered an onside kick for Lee, but Amie was intercepted by North Mesquite's Keyvien Johnson, which appeared to have dashed Lee's hopes.

The two teams combined for 64 first downs and more than 1,300 yards of offense.

Gooch passed for 250 yards with a touchdown and one interception, and ran for 189 yards and four touchdowns, while Dreshawn Minnieweather rushed for 200 yards and four touchdowns on only 11 carries for North Mesquite.

Ja'marzeyea Arvie hauled in 14 receptions for 127 yards.

Lee was led by Amie, who passed for 374 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions, while adding 115 yards and three scores on the ground. La'Darius Wickware ran for 147 yards and a touchdown as well.

Rhett Parker added seven receptions for 124 yards and a touchdown.

Lee concludes the season next Friday night against crosstown rival John Tyler (8-1, 5-1), while North Mesquite plays at Rockwall (4-5, 4-2).