Post Survives Thriller Against Sunray to Stay Undefeated
In a high-stakes battle that delivered on all fronts, the Post Antelopes edged out the Sunray Bobcats 34-31 in the Class 2A Division I regional semifinal on Friday night. The showdown featured five lead changes, explosive plays, and a historic milestone, as Post handed Sunray their only loss of the season at Patriots Stadium in Lubbock.
Vergara’s Heroics Propel Post
Senior running back Ian Vergara was unstoppable, rushing for 236 yards on 32 carries and accounting for all five of Post’s touchdowns. His efforts were instrumental in the Antelopes maintaining their unbeaten 13-0 record and advancing to the state quarterfinals.
Vergara set the tone early, helping Post capitalize on a Sunray fumble to score two quick touchdowns for a 13-0 lead within the first two minutes. Though Sunray surged back to take the lead twice in the second half, Vergara’s game-winning 25-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter proved decisive.
“I just trusted my offensive line,” Vergara said postgame. “We stayed focused and kept grinding even when things got tight.”
Lujan Sets State Record in Defeat
For Sunray, quarterback Armando Lujan left his mark despite the loss. The senior shattered the Texas state career passing record early in the game, surpassing 14,408 yards on a 52-yard touchdown pass to Kagan Davis. Lujan finished the night with 309 yards passing, three touchdowns, and one interception, concluding his career with an astounding 14,600 passing yards.
“He’s the heart and soul of our team,” Sunray head coach Jimmie Johnson said. “Breaking that record is a testament to his hard work and consistency over four years.”
Momentum Swings and Key Plays
The game featured constant momentum shifts, with neither team backing down. After Post’s early dominance, Sunray stormed back with three unanswered touchdowns to take a 31-27 lead late in the third quarter, capped by Lujan’s 35-yard strike to Dawson Bennett.
Post’s defense stepped up in the fourth quarter when Kayandre Jefferson intercepted a pass from Lujan, returning it to the Bobcat 25-yard line. On the very next play, Vergara broke free for his fifth touchdown, giving the Antelopes a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
Sunray had one last chance to rally but failed to convert on a fourth down inside Post territory with just over two minutes remaining. Without timeouts, the Antelopes ran out the clock to secure the dramatic win.
A Season to Remember
For Sunray, the loss marked the end of an incredible 12-1 season. Despite the defeat, the Bobcats achieved numerous milestones, highlighted by Lujan’s record-breaking career and their undefeated run through the regular season.
Post, now 13-0, advances to face another unbeaten team, Stamford (13-0), in the state quarterfinals. The matchup promises to be another high-stakes thriller as the Antelopes continue their pursuit of a championship.
Bottom Line
Friday’s game was a testament to the resilience and determination of both teams. While Post leaned on Vergara’s explosive rushing and timely defensive stops, Sunray showcased the brilliance of Lujan in a performance that will be remembered for years.
For Post, the journey continues. For Sunray, it’s the end of an era marked by grit, talent, and a quarterback who rewrote the record books.
