Oilers fall to Pasadena Memorial 28-13

October 20, 2009

   

PASADENA — The game between Pearland and Pasadena Memorial pitted the final two teams without a district loss at 3-0. The winner would sit alone at the top of the league leaderboard.

Last year - the two teams played a close first half, but the Oilers dominated the second half for a 63-28 lopsided win which has been at the forefront of Pasadena Memorial's head coach John Snelson's mind ever since last year. In fact - he made mention of it in the La Porte press box when scouting the Oilers.

Both teams were at 5-1 on the season and Memorial had been playing under the radar as the media hadn't really paid too much attention to the Mavericks -- until after they knocked of the Oilers 28-13 in a game that saw Pearland play aggressively on defense and haphazard on offense.

The defense came up with two pass interceptions and two fumble recoveries, but the offense couldn't take advantage of the turnovers.

Meanwhile - Memorial quarterback Tate Gresham became a one-man show as he rushed for 153 yards on 31 carries and three touchdowns while hitting 10-of-13 passing for 159 yards and one TD with two interceptions.

His favorite target Nathan Mourik made some incredible grabs with six catches for 116 yards and one score.

Memorial got on the scoreboard first when Grisham ran through a huge hole on a 2-yard quarterback keeper. The extra point was wide right leaving the Mavs with a 6-0 lead with 1:18 left in the opening period. The touchdown was set up when Pearland's punter got a low snap and he went to his knee to get the ball before he punted giving the ball at Pearland's 32.

The Oilers wasted little time answering as they began their drive at their own 29. It took only seven-plays to complete the 71-yard scoring drive as Dustin Garrison scored on a 12-yard run. Dylan Nowak booted the extra point with 10:45 left in the second quarter giving the Oilers a 7-6 lead which stood up at halftime.

But it was all Memorial as Pearland took the second half kickoff and went three plays and out.

Memorial took the lead for good with 10:32 left in the third as Mourick burned the Pearland secondary for a 41-yard scoring bomb. The two-point conversion was good by Gresham giving the Mavs a 14-7 lead.

Pearland's offense continued to sputter as Memorial got the ball back and scored again with 7:17  left in the third quarter.on a 4-yard run by Gresham for a 21-7 lead.

With 8:31 left in the game, Gresham put the dagger in the heart of Pearland with a 9-yard run to make the score 28-7.

The Oilers answered with a 49-yard scoring pass from quarterback Trey Anderson to Myles Kanipes to make the final score 28-13 after the extra point was wide right with 6:50 left in the game.

Pearland finished with 304 total yards as Garrison had 24 carries for 129 yards and one score while Anderson, who has been hitting better than 50 percent of his passes this season, was an anemic 13-of-35 for 156 yards and one TD. Kanipes had six catches for 92 yards and one score.

While the Oilers are sitting in second place with La Porte at 3-1 -- they still control their own playoff destiny and are still in contention to share the District 22-5A crown.

The loss snapped Pearland's 20 straight wins in league play as the Oilers hadn't lost a district contest since October 6, 2006.

The Oilers still have South Houston, Deer Park, and Dobie left on their schedule and should be able to run the table if the players decide to play inspired football.

There have been times this season that the Oilers played like the other team was going to just lay down for them. Because of the rich tradition of past Pearland players -- the Oilers play with a target on their back every game after establishing themselves as one of the winningest teams in the Houston area over the past 10 years.

Memorial acted like they had won the Super Bowl after the game was over.

The Mavericks have the tougher road to the finish line as they have to face La Porte, South Houston, and Deer Park -- with two of those teams quite able to hand Memorial a loss.

This current crop of Pearland players need to do some self-evaluation in order to continue the tradition that has been established in years past.  If they don't - they are going to be embarrassed again.

Pearland will host South Houston (2-5, 2-2) on Friday, October 23 at 7:00 p.m. at The Rig.

Connect to www.reporternewssports.com and click on to LiveBlog to keep up with the game if you are unable to be at the game.

Top