maddie cooke

The Longhorns look to win their first District Championship in over 20 years. They take on Fort Zumwalt North this Friday, Nov. 6.

The number six seed Longhorns upset the number two seed Parkway North Vikings 19-14. It was the first win over North for West in the last 11 tries. The Longhorns created six turnovers in the win.

“No one had faith in us. This is our time to really put something special together and we have the right guys to do so. We still have a lot of challenges ahead of us, but I have faith in our coaching staff and players,” senior linebacker Evan Shukers said.

North jumped out to an early 7-0 lead halfway into the first quarter. However, West came up in the second quarter scoring all 19 of their points. Junior fullback Drew Seers led off the quarter with a three yard touchdown run to tie it up 7-7.

“Every team has underestimated us till this point. At the same time, we have taken the role as being the underdog to heart. A part of our success has been because of our intensity. That is something we look to continue as we move into the playoffs,” senior offensive lineman Kyle Freebersyser.

The defense then stopped North’s offense on three downs forcing them to punt. The Horns drove all the way down the field, which was capped of by a 27-yard touchdown run by senior running back Nick Lewis.

“Jumping out to that 13-7 lead was huge. It gave the team a lot of confidence that we could really win this game,” junior quarterback Jack Martin said.

West then intercepted North’s quarterback with just over a minute left in the half. The Longhorns had the ball with good field position on North’s 20-yard line. On third down, Martin hit junior wide receiver Tyrice Hines on a 15-yard touchdown pass at the corner of the end zone.

“I try to catch any ball that is thrown to me. Jack put me in a great position with that throw. I was just trying to make a play for my team right before the half. I think that gave us a lot of momentum going into the half,” junior wide receiver Tyrice Hines said.

The Horns went into the half up 19-7. Then, North scored on their first drive in the third quarter.

“I think at halftime we all got a little too loose. North came out with a lot more intensity in the second half. We have to make sure we keep that intensity even when we have the lead,” senior safety Simon Lindo said.

The game was 19-14 mid way through the third quarter. North regained the ball back off of a Parkway West fumble. They began driving into Longhorn territory until a 10 yard-holding penalty and 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty stopped them from scoring.

“That was a huge moment. North got an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty which halted their drive. Coach Duncan always stresses the importance of staying disciplined. It worked out in our favor because of the mental toughness our guys have,” senior safety Scott McKnight said.

West will now head on the road this Friday to play the number one seeded Fort Zumwalt South Panthers. South knocked off Parkway Central this past friday in the second round of districts 35-0.

“We faced a lot of adversity. It shows that we have players though that will step up when the moment surfaces. We need another good week of practice before we play against Fort Zumwalt North,” junior defensive lineman Caleb Carswell said.

This is the first time since 2008 the Longhorns are above .500 by the end of the season.
“It is just another challenge, but we are ready for it,” senior running back Nick Lewis said.