Haltom gets timely stop in thriller to beat South Grand Prairie, inch closer to playoffs

District 8-6A is among the most competitive in Texas high school football, and six teams are fighting for playoff spots and positioning.

Two of those teams are Haltom and South Grand Prairie, and they faced off on Oct. 31 at Birdville FA/AC. SGP had control of the ball with a chance to take a late lead, but Haltom got a timely stop to secure a 23-21 victory in a thriller.

With the win, Haltom (5-4, 4-2) is close to clinching a playoff spot for the first time since the 2020 season. The Buffs now control their destiny and can clinch with a week 11 win over Arlington Sam Houston (2-6, 1-4).

A loss from both Arlington Lamar and Martin in week 10 will also secure Haltom a spot.

After a Haltom fumble in the first quarter, SGP (6-3, 4-2) started the scoring with a 10-play drive ended by a six-yard rush from running back Josiah Lucas. It appeared the Buffaloes would bounce back when another fumble fizzled the drive.

This time, SGP was unable to capitalize, punting away to Haltom. The Buffs, in the second quarter, did a better job of protecting the football and got on the scoreboard with a flurry of runs from Vurdico Roberson and Keenan Jackson -- the latter notched a 13-yard scoring scamper.

After an SGP three-and-out, Jackson finished a nine-play drive with a 14-yard rushing score, showing elite balance while fighting through contact. To this point, both teams relied on the run.

For both teams, The passing games came alive. SGP quarterback Daylon Brooks threw a 40-yard touchdown to wide receiver Cash Clark and Haltom QB Gage Seely responded with a 61-yard completion to WR Cash Turner; the Buffs took the lead before half with a 31-yard field goal from Saul Segovia.

After a missed 31-yard field goal from Haltom and a punt from SGP, Jackson gave the Buffaloes an advantage at the start of the fourth quarter with a 12-yard touchdown, his third of the day. The Warriors quickly responded with a revitalized passing game; WR Cade Wallace caught a quick pass and found a hole, keeping his balance through a diving tackle attempt.

After, Haltom’s offense nearly sealed the game, but an incomplete pass on fourth down gave SGP a chance to develop a game-winning drive. When it mattered most, the Buffaloes got a defensive stop and ran the clock out in victory formation.