Atascocita defensive back Alex Morris wanted to be a difference maker in a Region III-6A Division I semifinal against Houston Lamar at NRG Stadium.
Trailing Lamar 27-21 in the fourth quarter, Morris, a junior, got his opportunity. On third down Atascocita teammate Tralan Hutchinson tipped a Lamar pass into the air and Morris grabbed the ball on the dead run and galloped 46 yards to tie the game at 27.
David Heaton kicked the extra point to provide the final score (28-27).
“There was nothing going through my mind, it was just reaction,” Morris said. “My friend Hutch, No. 4, batted the ball up and I was able to go get it. It was a blessing that I thank God for.
“I would’ve stuck froze but God told me to go get it,” Morris said.
Moments later, as Lamar was trying to mount a comeback, Morris made another huge contribution.
A Lamar receiver was stripped of the ball while fighting for extra yardage by Atascocita teammate Joshua Escobedo and Morris recovered the fumble to initiate a celebration from the Eagles’ faithful.
“I happened to be in the right place at the right time,” Morris said. “It was just hustle. There were a lot of things going on at the same time. I just have to thank my team, my family and thank God.
“We had some bad things happen to us during the game but we kept our heads up and got the momentum going in our favor,” he said. “This win will put us on the map.”
Atascocita, 11-1, will make a repeat trip to the regional finals. This time District 21-6A rival North Shore awaits for a Dec. 2 matchup in NRG Stadium (7:30 p.m.). North Shore won 31-21 on Oct. 7.
“We’re excited about a chance to play North Shore again,” Morris said.