SOUTHEAST TEXAS — East Chambers’ Justin Devillier tackled Buna quarterback Ryan Sheppard on an attempted two-point conversion run with 1:06 left in the game to preserve the Bucs’ thrilling 34-33 District 24-2A shootout here Friday night.

In this battle of undefeated 7-0 teams (3-0 in league play), Devillier’s tackle may be the biggest play in East Chambers entire season, as the Bucs take over sole possession of first place with just two games remaining.

EC moves to 8-0 and 4-0 in district play, while Buna falls to 7-1 and 3-1.

Tony Valastro’s Bucs led 34-20 going into the fourth period on the strength of quarterback Tramain Thomas’ touchdown runs of 2, 58, 5 and 3 yards, and linebacker Carlos Trevino’s 40-yard interception return for a touchdown.

Trevino also booted four PATs in the contest.

Buna mounted a comeback in the fourth period scoring 13 points on the strength of a Sheppard one-yard plunge, and a 20-yard scoring pass to Trenton Allen.

East Chambers had a chance to put this one away late in the game, but fumbled it away at the Cougar 30-yard line with 3:35 to play. Buna then drove all the way to paydirt and Sheppard’s one-yard TD run with 1:06 remaining left the visitors trailing by one point.

But instead of going to the tie and overtime, Buna head coach Bradley Morgan elected to go for the win, but Devillier’s two-point conversion tackle of Sheppard ruined the Cougar gallant comeback.

After Buna was stopped short on the potential go-ahead conversion run, they tried an onside kick, but EC recovered it. The Bucs, though, were penalized for offsides and Buna go one last try.

The second time, though, the Cougars recovered the onsides kick and still had some life.

But blue chip safety Thomas intercepted a Sheppard pass at the EC 30, and Thomas took a knee and ran out the clock to preserve the win.

Thomas also had another interception and ran for 179 yards on 23 carries. Thomas’ first interception halted a Buna scoring drive at the two late in the second quarter.



AREA ROUNDUP



Hull-Daisetta 47, Sabine Passs 6



SABINE PASS — Hull-Daisetta overwhelmed Sabine Pass with big plays Friday night on the way to a 47-6 District 24-A victory.

The first place Bobcats, now 3-0 in league play and 5-3 overall, score four touchdowns of 70 yards or longer on the way to the easy victory. HD led 25-0 after one quarter, 34-0 at the halftime and rolled up 561 yards total offense.

Sabine Pass, which dropped its fifth straight, was limited to six first downs and 42 yards total offense. The Sharks are now 0-2, 1-5.

Anthony Brook started the touchdown parade for Hull-Daisetta by hauling in a 60-yard scoring pass from Sam Elliott. Elliott also hooked up with Franklin Smith on TD tosses of 70 and 10 yards.

Kevin Thompson had a 60-yard touchdown run, Adrian Anderson got loose on a 65-yard scoring scamper and Tyree Patterson added a 25-yard TD run.

Sabine Pass’ only score came on a one-yard pass play from Drew Carlos to Frankie Flores.





Kelly 36, Austin St. Michael’s 10



BEAUMONT — Beaumont Kelly served notice that it intended to prosper just as much in TAPPS district play with a league-opening 36-10 win over Austin St. Michael’s on Friday night.

The Bulldogs of coach Mike Long (7-0 and 1-0) roared out to a 22-0 advantage after one quarter, more than doubling their Austin opponents in first downs (14-6) and rushing yards (142-32).

Besides limiting St. Michael’s to 32 rushing yards, Kelly’s defense also returned two pass interceptions for touchdowns. Chance Filer dashed 20 yards on a pickoff runback to complete the first-quarter dominance.

The Bulldogs delivered another fourth-quarter theft for a score as Stanley Sullivan picked off a St. Michael’s attempt and dashed 42 yards for a score.

Donnie Carona headed the Kelly ground game with 116 yards on 16 carries, kicking four extra points and running for a two-point conversion.

Kelly was equally successful on the ground (142 rushing yards) and in the air (140 passing yards). Quarterback Anthony Fazio completed 12 of 16 passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns.

The Dogs struck first when Fazio threw to Torreyjon Henry for a 16-yard first-quarter scoring pass. Fazio opened Kelly’s second-half scoring with a four-yard touchdown toss to Sharrod Narcisse.

The Kelly team will return to district play next Friday when it will host Houston St. Thomas.