Harker Heights weathered a storm Thursday night, then shielded itself from the Temple Wildcats’ best efforts to claw their way to a seat at the top of District 12-6A.
Zy’Riyan “C2” Evans scored three rushing touchdowns, the defense didn’t allow a point in the second half and the Knights clinched the outright district championship with a 31-14 victory on a soggy evening at Wildcat Stadium.
“There’s nothing better than when you put in all this hard work as a staff and as players since December and see all that work come to life,” Harker Heights head coach Mark Humble said. “Getting to hug your staff and players, experiencing the kids’ happiness and smiles and celebrations, it was a great moment. They earned every bit of it.”
The victory capped an unbeaten, 6-0 run to the top of the league pile and officially secured a home playoff game for the second time in three seasons.
The Knights (8-2) will host Lancaster (4-6) –– which finished fourth in the ever-difficult District 11-5A that included Duncanville and DeSoto –– in the first round of the Class 6A Division II playoffs at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15 inside Leo Buckley Stadium. It's Harker Heights' sixth straight playoff appearance.
“The connections and bonds and relationships that have grown throughout this season, that’s what our program is about –– this process of what we go through to try to have some success and opportunities,” Humble said.
Harker Heights indeed pounced on its latest opportunity for success, even after having to wait out an hour weather delay before kickoff.
The Knights, who’ve lost just two district games over the last four seasons, took a 14-0 lead against Temple with a pair of rushing TDs from Evans. The Wildcats cut it to 14-7 late in the first half and then tied it 14-all with a pick-six in the third quarter.
It was all Harker Heights after that.
Rocky Crooks rushed for one score, Oakley Goins added a field goal and Evans put the finishing touches on the outcome with his third touchdown.
Brian Hood had an interception, Michael Mayes had two sacks and Elijah Johnson had a third sack for the Knights defense, which didn’t allow a second-half point to the Wildcats for the second straight season.
“Credit to the kids and the staff. We went right back out there and responded. Our kids play hard every play and we don’t get tied up in the scoreboard,” Humble said. “The most important play is the play that’s happening, and then the next play. They have bought into that and I think last night was an example of that.”
More photos from KISD Communications' Todd Martin can be found here.
TICKET INFORMATION: 6A Division II Bi-District Playoffs at Buckley Stadium -- Get ready, Knight Nation! It's playoff time! Harker Heights High School will face off against Lancaster High School on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 7:00 PM at Buckley Stadium.
Secure your tickets in advance.
Home Side (Harker Heights) https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/51502388/harker-heights-hs-homevslancaster-hs-leo-buckley-stadium-playoffs-killeen-killeen-football-home-side
Visitor Side (Lancaster) https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/76984369/lancaster-visitorvsharker-heights-hs-leo-buckley-stadium-playoffs-killeen-killeen-football-visitor-side
Ticket Prices
- Adults: $6
- Students: $3
(Tickets cost two dollars more if you buy at the gate.)
Come out and support your Harker Heights Knights! Let’s rep the shield and show that Knight pride! Go Knights!
