Post Clinches Area Championship in Overtime Thriller

Like most games in Post's undefeated season, the Antelopes jumped out to an early lead in the first half. Three straight touchdown drives gave way to 20 unanswered points by the Tigers, who trailed by a single point at halftime.

In the 3rd quarter, a Post turnover and failed a 4th down conversion allowed Anson to take the lead. With all the momentum on the Tigers' side, Post could have rolled over and called their 2024 campaign finished, but the Bold Gold refused to give in. Midway through the 4th quarter, Anson threw a touchdown pass to a wide-open receiver in the middle of the end zone to put the Tigers up 35-21, but Post wasn't finished.

Antelopes' running back, Ian Vergara, put the team on his back as Post marched down the field. A touchdown pulled Post within seven points with just over five minutes to play in the 4th, but Post needed a stop. The defense delivered. A forced fumble handed the ball back to the offense, and the offensive line picked up where they had left off to set Vergara up for another score. The Antelopes tied the game with just under three minutes to play.

Neither team would score again in regulation, and the stage was set for a Texas High School Football playoff overtime classic.

Coach John Wright put his faith in the offensive line in overtime and only ran the ball in the opening possession. Vergara provided several tough runs to put the Antelopes on the doorstep. He punched the ball in from four yards out on 1st and goal to put the Antelopes back on top.

With the lead, all that was left to do was lean on the defense for one final stop. Three plays that went nowhere left Anson with a 4th down and 9 yards to go at the 24-yard line. A desperation pass was broken up by Post's secondary, and the celebration began. Post claimed victory, 42-35.

After the game, Head Coach John Wright gave his thoughts on his team's performance, the season overall, and what the win meant to the program. Check out that interview below:

Post now moves on to the Regional Semifinal Round next week. The Antelopes will play the winner of the matchup between the Hawley Bearcats and the Sunray Bobcats. The date, time, and location of this matchup are still TBD.