“We were on the ropes numerous times then got off the ropes and fought back — buckled their knees,” Kell coach Derek Cook said. “That was an ESPN classic right there. Great play at the end by McGuigan and the O-line. Julian Burris, who is coming off torn meniscus surgery — this is his first game back. A great play right there. An unbelievable play. That will go down in Kell football history hopefully.”
As a result of their eighth straight win, the Longhorns (10-1) will host Gainesville next week.
After McGuigan had a tipped pass intercepted, which Southwest DeKalb converted into seven points for a 14-13 lead with 7:58 remaining, and Kell having to punt away its ensuing possession, the Longhorns appeared on the verge of falling into a deeper hole.
But the defense forced a three-and-out and the offense got the ball back with 3:05 to go at its own 22.
On the third play of the drive, Khalil Bell was able to break free for 19 yards down the sideline to Southwest DeKalb’s 49. Then, two plays later and with 1:06 left, the senior running back ran for five yards on third down, placing the ball at the 37.
Following an incompletion and an offsides penalty against the Panthers, McGuigan took the snap on third-and-5 and fired the ball to Burris, who made the catch while falling to his back in the middle of the end zone for a 19-14 score with 25 seconds remaining.
“We actually had a different receiver in mind,” Cook said. “McGuigan saw him deep in the end zone, threw it up and Burris made a play. That’s playoff football. That is an amazing play.”
The Panthers started their drive at their own 12-yard line and eventually got to their 33, but Marquise Gilmore was stopped after a 3-yard gain on the game’s final play.
“I’ve got to give Southwest DeKalb all the credit in the world,” Cook said. “They have some warriors over there. They fought and hit and played. They are a great football team. They are the best No. 4 seed in the history of football.”
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When I read your statement yesterday, I was to put it mildly angered. I decided to sleep on on it and was pleased to see someone else shares my opinion. My son actually plays for Kell and I have seen the hard work both players and coaches put into the season. This is only the second year in school history that Kell has won the region and both have been under Coach Cook. I am at the stadium every Sunday and see all of the coaches cars there. They are going over film to prepare for the next game. They spend many thankless hours in preparation for the next game. This season has already been a big success no matter what the future brings. My son is a freshman playing varsity and I only hope Coach Cook decides to stay until he graduates. I do not even believe you are a Longhorn parent and if you are, your son is not on the football team. I wish I knew who you are so I could shake your hand and look you in the eye and tell you your are a Know nothing idiot to your face. We have a big gme ahead of us this week and do not need distractions like yours. I can only hope none of the players have read your ignorant statement. Coach Cook has done and is doing a great job and we are lucky to have him. I really do not think you are a longhorn parent and if you are, maybe you should transfer to another school. If you are a true longhorn parent, you should know who I am and I too think you are an idiot!!!