Lake Ridge defeated Longview, 56-53, in the Class 5A, Division I, Region II quarterfinals at AT&T Stadium in Arlington Saturday. With the win, the Eagles (14-0) advance to face Aledo (13-1) in the state semifinals.

Zachary Bell also gave his thoughts, “It was about the craziest thing I’ve ever seen. We can’t really put it in to words yet. I am still very shocked.”

Lake Ridge defeated Longview, 56-53, in the Class 5A, Division I, Region II quarterfinals at AT&T Stadium in Arlington Saturday. With the win, the Eagles (14-0) advance to face Aledo (13-1) in the state semifinals at Birdville’s Fine Arts and Athletics Complex Friday December 11th at 7:30 PM. The Eagles are 5A, Division I, Region II champions, and one of four teams competing for a UIL 5A Division I State Championship.

When asked his thoughts on the game, Seth Ette said, “We came in with that last drive, and we really just wanted it more.”

Lake Ridge defeated Longview on a late game missed field goal, kind of ironic because that’s how the Eagles beat Longview in the second round last season. The Eagles offense was dominant as usual as they had 56 points and 574 yards against a stout Longview defense. The Eagles defense was clutch making a late game stand and forcing Longview to kick a field goal, which they missed.

“It was a tough game, but we stuck it out. We fought it out until the end, ” Jack Lechman said when he was asked his thoughts.

Quarterback, Jett Duffey, lead the offense with 389 yards of total offense, and four touchdowns. Duffey added another great game to add to his resume as a Landry Award finalist, which will be decided on Monday December 14th. Duffey made a signature play as he had a 52 yard touchdown run where he broke seven tackles to give the Eagles their first touchdown of the night.

Running back, Duke Carter, added another amazing game to his season as he had 164 yards rushing, and 4 touchdowns. Carter had three touchdowns in the second half to help the Eagles keep the lead and advance to the fifth round.

The Eagles defense looked vulnerable most of the night, but they made the stop when they need to. The defense won the game as they stopped Longview’s final three pass attempts to the end zone and forced the missed field goal.

And finally we asked Coach Thor, head football coach, his final thoughts on the game. He said, “It was a tough one. This game was close, but I’m just excited for our kids to win.”

Eagles 2015 Schedule

Aug. 28: Cleburne 52 – 26 W
Sept. 3: @ Fossil Ridge 30 – 13 W
Sept. 10: Waco 47 – 12 W
Sept. 18: Lancaster 48 – 27 W
Sept. 24: Waxahachie 60 – 34 W
Oct. 9: @ Timberview 49 – 24 W
Oct. 16: Red Oak 48 – 24 W
Oct. 24: @ Legacy 56 – 14 W
Oct. 31: Summit 55 – 35 W
Nov. 6: @ Seguin 53 – 7 W
Nov. 12: Samuell 63 – 12 W **
Nov. 21: Tyler 77 – 51 W **
Nov. 28: Poteet 69 – 40 W **
Dec. 5: Longview 56 – 53 W **
Dec. 12: Aledo (5A Semifinals) **

Playoff Game = **

VIDEO:

Duke Carter carries the ball across the goal line for Lake Ridge High School which defeated Longview, 56-53, in a D5A state playoff game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Dec. 5, 2015.