Aledo edges Lubbock-Cooper to reach state title game for 9th time in 11 seasons

If Saturday’s game at Wildcat Stadium were the state championship rather than a state semifinal, Aledo and Lubbock-Cooper would have gone to overtime. But because instant replay was unavailable, the ruling of Jase McClellan being down by contact before fumbling and Lubbock-Cooper recovering the ball stood. McClellan scored his third touchdown of the game on the next play with 1:55 remaining, and the Bearcats held on for a 28-21 win over the Pirates. “He wasn’t down,” Aledo coach Tim Buchanan said before correcting himself. “He was down. It worked out just perfect because we didn’t give them the time to drive down the field, running the football on us. Our defense finally stopped them at the end.” Lubbock-Cooper coach Chip Darden said he didn’t get an explanation of why McClellan was ruled down. “We didn’t (get an explanation), but that’s life, and that’s what we told the kids,” he said. “Sometimes it goes your way, and sometimes it doesn’t. You’ve got to tip your cap to them, and that’s why they’ve found a way to win seven of the last 10 (titles).” Aledo advances to face Fort Bend Marshall in a rematch of last year’s Class 5A Division II state championship game, as the Bearcats go for their ninth title, which would be a UIL record. Aledo (14-1) and Marshall will play 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, at AT&T Stadium. It’s the Bearcats’ fourth consecutive trip to the state title game and their ninth in the past 11 years.

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ALEDO EDGES LUBBOCK-COOPER TO REACH STATE TITLE GAME FOR 9TH TIME IN 11 SEASONS

BRANDON MCAULIFFE

Star Telegram | 12/14/2019

PHOTO CREDIT: Aledo Athletics