Argyle Athletics Booster Club, Argyle H.S. TX

If there is anything better in sports than Texas high school playoff football, I'd be hard pressed to think of it right now.  The Argyle Eagles traveled to Aledo's Bearcat Stadium last night to meet the Clyde Bulldogs for their first round playoff game and came home with a tough 17-0 victory.

The Eagle's defense got it's first shut out of the season against one of the better running offenses they have seen all year.  Argyle's explosive offense was held in check much of the night, but persevered and made the plays it needed to against a much tougher than expected (at least to me and a lot of other fans in attendance) Clyde defense.

"Clyde is a very, very good football team and may be the fastest and most physical defense we have seen this year", said head coach Todd Rodgers.  "Their speed, size, and quickness caused problems for us all night, but I'm proud of our team's resilience and character.  We needed every bit of it to get this win."

The Eagles defense held Clyde to just under 140 yards rushing and kept their leading ball carrier to almost 2 yards/carry below his season average.  The Eagles were holding on to a 10-0 with 6 minutes left in the game and Clyde was driving into Argyle territory when senior linebacker Ben Parks made a huge play.  Parks blitzed through to force the Bulldog QB to fumble and David Johnson (who had another big game at DE) recovered, setting Argyle up for the game-clinching TD.

Speaking of Ben Parks, what a weapon he continues to be in the Argyle kicking game.  With time expiring in the 1st half he nailed a 41 yard field goal that landed at least 15 yards past the back of the end zone to put the Eagles up 10-0.  He averaged 42+ yards/punt and pinned Clyde inside their 10 - once at the 1 yard line - with 2 of his four punts.

Michael Stein added to his team lead in interceptions as he caught a ball tipped by safety Gavin Pucciarello late in the 4th quarter to stop another Clyde scoring threat.  Defensive linemen David Johnson, Cooper Sewell, and Eddie Eckert came up with big hits all night on Clyde's tough running backs all the while putting tremendous pressure on the Clyde QB when he tried to pass.  

The Eagle's defense forced three Clyde turnovers which, proved to be huge, as the Argyle offense took what was given and did not turn the ball over all night.  QB JJ Harp threw for nearly 300 yards and two touchdowns.  He was under pressure much of the night due to the fast and physical Clyde pass rush, but showed his mental toughness in making the plays when Argyle needed it most.  Junior running back Kyle Frizzell ran behind center Corey White, guard Matt Grounds, and tackle Chas Eads in the "bulls" formation for three key 4th down conversions. 

Brady Brown was a prime target for Harp tonight as he caught 11 balls for just under 120 yards.  Justin McGuffey made a great 25 yard TD catch in the first quarter.  Two plays after Parks caused the Clyde turnover in the 4th quarter, Harp found sophomore receiver Tyler Sweatt in the seam for a 25 yard TD - Sweatt's first of the year.

The Eagles now await the winner of this afternoon's Graham vs Dalhart game.