(Arlington, Texas)-At AT&T Stadium, call it the “Catch for 89” as the Ganado Indians (15-1) captured the University Interscholastic League’s Class 2A Division I State Football title 30-28 in 3OT over Stamford (15-1). “The Catch” made by junior Indian WR Austen Pena (49 rec 797 yards10 TDs) was an emotional one too. “This one is for Lamarquis Lee,” said Pena. “This one is for him.” Lee was just twelve years old when he was killed in a car accident in 2019. He played football with his teammates back then, who would have been playing today. Indians head coach Josh Ervin watched with the game tied 28-28 in the third overtime quarter, as Indian QB Bryce Ullman (2,779 yards passing 47 TDs 300 yards rushing) spotted Pena in the end-zone on the run. Pena made a leaping-stretched catch for the win. Ganado’s Cain Hayden (three tackles two INTs) was named the NIKE Defensive Player of the Game with Ullamn capturing NIKE Offensive MVP awards (172 yards passing three touchdowns). (HSSMIMages/UIL)
