In a Class 4A D2 area playoff round at Chisholm Trail High School’s Ranger Stadium, Celina, after a slow start, dominated Alvarado, securing a commanding 55-14 victory. Initially, Alvarado displayed competitiveness, managing to halt Celina on their first three possessions. However, the game took a turn when a fumble by Alvarado was swiftly capitalized upon by Cooper Farrow, who returned it for a 34-yard touchdown, giving Celina a 6-0 lead late in the first quarter.
Despite Alvarado’s initial drives deep into Celina territory, they faced challenges converting opportunities into points. Failing to convert on critical fourth-down attempts, including fourth-and-two, fourth-and-five, and fourth-and-one, hampered their progress. They went 0-4 on fourth-down conversions during the game.
While Celina also struggled early on, they found their rhythm soon after, capitalizing on their offensive opportunities. Their surge began with three consecutive scoring possessions, propelling them to a commanding 25-0 halftime lead. Notably, they orchestrated impressive drives and made crucial plays, including a 30-yard touchdown pass to Colton Rodriguez just before halftime.
Alvarado, undeterred, showed renewed vigor at the start of the second half, driving 70 yards for a touchdown, signaling a potential resurgence. However, Celina responded emphatically, scoring three more touchdowns in quick succession, effectively securing the win before the third quarter concluded.
Celina’s Logan Gutierrez and Bowe Bentley each contributed multiple touchdowns, while Michael Reed’s 55-yard scoring play further solidified Celina’s dominance. The fourth quarter witnessed continued Celina prowess, with Gutierrez adding his second touchdown and Alvarado managing a late touchdown pass from Cardea Collier to Dorian Potter.
Celina head coach Bill Elliott rejected claims of a typical slow start for his team, emphasizing their strong start in the bi-district round. He credited his team’s control of the game from the beginning. Alvarado’s head coach, Casey Walraven, acknowledged Celina’s strength but highlighted his team’s execution struggles in key moments.
The game statistics reflected Celina’s ground dominance, with Williams and Gutierrez showcasing exceptional rushing performances. Williams accumulated 120 yards with two touchdowns, while Gutierrez amassed an impressive 158 yards with two touchdowns as well. Jacob Brown added 98 yards rushing in the second half for Celina.
