Texas High School Football: Denton Guyer Vs. Byron Nelson (6A DII - 2025 Regional Semifinal)

A Back-and-Forth Battle:

The contest was a defensive struggle early, with both teams fighting for traction on the wet turf. Byron Nelson struck first midway through the opening quarter when quarterback Parker Almanza connected with Mahamadou Siby for a 28-yard touchdown strike.

Guyer’s response was immediate. Star running back Kaedyn Cobbs punched in a 2-yard touchdown run to knot the game at 7-7. However, the Bobcats seized momentum just before the break. Almanza called his own number, scrambling for a 26-yard touchdown to give Byron Nelson a 14-7 halftime advantage.

Wildcats Surge in the Third
Coming out of the locker room, Guyer’s offense found its rhythm. The Wildcats dominated the third quarter, scoring 14 unanswered points to take their first lead of the night.

Cobbs added his second touchdown of the game on a gritty 2-yard plunge to tie the score at 14. Moments later, sophomore quarterback Carter Morgan showcased his dual-threat ability. After keeping the defense honest with his legs all night, Morgan found Tristan Shelton for a 30-yard touchdown pass, putting Guyer ahead 21-14 heading into the final frame.

The Fourth Quarter Fireworks
Refusing to go quietly, Byron Nelson mounted a desperate comeback in the fourth quarter. With just under a minute to play, Almanza found his favorite target, Nolan Hawkins, for a spectacular 48-yard touchdown catch-and-run that stunned the Guyer sideline and tied the game at 21-21.

With overtime looming, Guyer’s offense orchestrated a clinical final drive. Morgan, who finished with 100 rushing yards and 129 passing yards, made a critical 20-yard scramble on fourth down to keep the drive—and the season—alive. The Wildcats marched into field goal range, leaving the game in the hands of Johnson.

Despite missing a 41-yard attempt earlier in the contest, Johnson remained poised. As the snap was held, he sent the ball splitting the uprights as time expired, sending the Guyer sideline into a frenzy.