Playoff Impact Playmakers: Class 5A – East Texas

This weekend kicked off the Texas State Playoffs for the larger classifications, and East Texas had three teams win to move on to the area round. Big-time players make big-time plays in big games, so here is a look at the players who made the difference for Texas High, Longview, and Pine Tree. &nbsp; <strong>Texas High 37 - Lake Creek 7.  <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2En1Zs">Game Highlights</a></strong> <p style="padding-left: 40px;">(Brayson McHenry 2022-QB) McHenry threw <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EnB0D">three touchdowns Friday night</a> to overcome a sluggish start offensively for the Tigers. Good with his legs, whether throwing on the move or scrambling to keep drives alive. McHenry has good poise in the pocket and throws a good ball with plenty of zip and accuracy.</p> <p style="padding-left: 40px;">(Daquarreon Witcher 2022-RB) This young man has great burst and is not afraid to get dirty blocking either. Witcher helped the Tigers pull away with two big touchdowns in the second half including a big 63 yarder. Witcher is impressive and is sure to get a lot of attention moving into his senior year because his game-breaking ability is very real.</p> <strong>Longview 41 - Lufkin 5   <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2En1cR">Game Highlights</a></strong> <p style="padding-left: 40px;">([player_tooltip player_id="60235" first="Kaden" last="Meredith"] 2021-RB) Meredith finished the night with 151 yards and scoring sprints of five, one, and eleven yards out. Longview has a rich tradition, especially in the running back department, so the fact that Meredith became the all-time leader in rushing touchdowns is a big deal. Highly recruited and for good reason, Meredith has been a staple in the Lobo program for three years and is trying to win the team’s second state title in three years. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EnCWK">http://www.hudl.com/v/2EnCWK</a></p> <p style="padding-left: 40px;">(Markevion Haynes 2021-RB/FB) Haynes carried the ball <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2En5j7">18 times for 192 yards and 2 touchdowns</a> Friday night v Lufkin. After his monster night, for this season Haynes has 1,087 yards, 12 TDs + 10 catches, 137 yards, TD. Sharing the backfield with Meredith has its perks, both these talented backs stay fresh and never give the defense a chance to get off their heels. Haynes is also a load that clears the path for Meredith as a great blocking fullback.</p> <p style="padding-left: 40px;">([player_tooltip player_id="60850" first="Jalen" last="Hale"], 2023-WR) Being a WR on this team requires patients and a selfless attitude, Hale checks all the boxes and then some. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2En5pW">He grabbed a 37-yard touchdown</a> Friday night and blocked his tail off all night. One thing that makes the Lobo program consistently great is their ability to adjust, and as this super sophomore WR keeps developing as the two super talented backs move on to the next level, expect the passing game to open up next year.</p> <strong>Pine Tree 34 - A&amp;M Consolidated 28 (OT).  <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2En1cx">Game Highlights</a></strong> <p style="padding-left: 40px;">(DJ Freeman 2021-QB) The senior signal-caller went off and lead his team to their first playoff win since 1976. Through the air, Freeman tossed 11/17 for 244 yards and a touchdown. On the ground, he added 127 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner in overtime. Freeman is this team’s leader and definitely stepped up in the biggest game and win in nearly half a century for this program. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EnGg5">http://www.hudl.com/v/2EnGg5</a></p> <p style="padding-left: 40px;">(Tyler Sheffield 2021-RB) The senior running back did his usual damage Friday night and then some! Finishing the night with 24 carries for 103 yards and a pair of touchdowns. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EnCJa">http://www.hudl.com/v/2EnCJa</a></p> <p style="padding-left: 40px;">(Keelan Turner 2021-WR) Mr. big play came through again with 5 huge catches for 144 yards and a touchdown! All year long Keelan has carried a ridiculous 25+ yard per catch average with a knack for accumulating huge scores at critical times. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EnB3A">http://www.hudl.com/v/2EnB3A</a></p> As these teams continue their quest for state titles, I will continue to keep an eye on all the playmakers. These programs are deep, so next week’s edition will surely have some new names that make the big plays.