Sinton 19, Hitchcock 19
Date: Nov. 29, 1991
Site: El Campo High School Stadium
The Story: This Class 3A regional semifinal will go down as one of the area's greatest playoff games, mostly because of one brilliant decision by then Sinton coach Gary Davenport. Hitchcock went ahead, 13-12, with 3:50 left in the game. Sinton then turned the ball over on downs, giving the Bulldogs the ball back at their own 38-yard line. On second down on the Sinton 45-yard line, however, Davenport called timeout and told his startled defense: "Let them score." The Pirates did, and ended up on top. Here's how they did it: R.A. Winston scored - just as Davenport instructed - from 55 yards out with 46 seconds left. The Pirates stopped the Hitchcock 2-point try, making the score 19-12. The Bulldogs had a 3-2 advantage in penetrations, but Sinton led in first downs (the second tiebreak method used), 18-12. Albert Longoria returned the kickoff to the 48, and with 41 seconds left, Sinton drove to the Hitchcock 20. Then, with 14 seconds left on fourth-and-4, quarterback Ruben Trigo hit David Seago for the touchdown. The extra point tied the game, 19-19, to end regulation. To settle the tiebreak, officials first looked at penetrations, which now were tied, 3-3. Next came first downs, which went to Sinton, 20-12. Thus, the Pirates were able to advance in the playoffs because of one coach's gutsy call.
They Said It: "I knew if it didn't work, I would have a lot of explaining to do." - Gary Davenport, Sinton coach