The old saying that offense wins games while defense wins championships became a reality when Pearland rallied from a 14-0 deficit to score 20 unanswered points to remain undefeated in District 24-5A action.

Clear Creek leads the league in passing and Pearland defensive coordinator Mark Kanipes knew that his secondary would be tested. He also knew that he had a veteran defense that would rise to the occasion and make life hard on Creek quarterback Neal Warden.

The Wildcats were forced to punt on their opening possession. The Oilers got the ball at their own 45, but were unable to make a first down. A bad snap got past Robbie Hersh who fell on the ball at the Pearland 12.

Clear Creek moved the ball to the Pearland one-yard line, but an illegal procedure and an offensive pass interference moved the ball back to the 16. Facing fourth-and-goal from the six, Creek opted to go for the touchdown, but an incomplete pass turned the ball over to the Oilers.

The Oilers went three and out and were forced to punt. The Wildcats took over at the Pearland 38 and scored on a seven-play, 38-yard drive capped off by a 10-yard pass from Warden to D.J. Gipson. The extra point was good and the 'Cats had a 7-0 lead with 2:50 remaining in the opening period.

Pearland's next possession was dotted with penalties forcing another punt that set up the Wildcats at their own 30.

After moving the ball to the Pearland 47, Warden sprinted to the right and then stopped to find Jordan Wright all alone down the left sideline for the completion to score untouched for a 14-0 lead with 11:06 remaining in the second quarter.

Needing a shot in the arm, Pearland got it on the ensuing kickoff as D.J. Durio ignited his teammates and crowd with a 52-yard return that almost went the distance.

The Oilers set up at the Creek 48 and it took only five plays to find paydirt as Kasey Carrier found a huge hole through the left side of the defense for an 18-yard scoring run. Hersh added the extra point leaving the score 14-7 with 8:44 left in the first half.

Pearland's defense would shut down the Wildcats offense to force another punt. The Oilers set up at the Creek 49 and moved to the 'Cats' eight-yard line. Facing fourth-and-five - Pearland opted to take the 25-yard field goal by Hersh to close the gap to 14-10 at intermission.

Head coach Tony Heath and his coaching staff have almost been flawless in making halftime adjustments. The second half was no comparison to the first two quarters as the Pearland defense made their adjustments and limited the Wildcats' potent offense to only two first downs and 27 total yards in the final 24 minutes while the offense added another 10 points to get the 20-14 win.

It didn't take long for the Oilers to take the lead for good after getting the second half kickoff.

Beginning at their own 28, the Oilers offense moved the ball on a six-play, 72-yard drive capped off with an 18-yard run by Carrier who weaved his way through the Creek defense for the score. Hersh added the extra point and the Oilers had a 17-14 lead with 9:17 left in the third quarter.

The quick drive was sparked by 23 and 18-yard pass completions from quarterback Sam Allen to wide receiver Munda Olford.

With the game still in doubt, linebacker Gary Robertson tipped a Warden pass in the air and then caught the ball for a key interception that was returned to the Creek 10. The Wildcat defense stiffened forcing a 27-yard field goal by Hersh to make the score 20-14 with 8:22 left in the contest.

The Wildcats made one last attempt to score with their most productive drive of the second half moving from their own 25 to the Pearland 45.

Creek picked up eight yards on first down, but Bernard Obi came up with a four-yard sack. Linebacker Chris Landry knocked down a Warden pass forcing a fourth down and 6. Warden missed on his next pass and that was the game.

Pearland's offense was led by Carrier who had 184 yards on 31 carries for two touchdowns. Sam Allen was 9-of-12 passing for 108 yards. Kevin Miller had four catches for 42 yards and Munda Olford had three grabs for 53 yards.

The Oilers' defense limited the Wildcats to 207 total yards and eight first downs.
Robertson had one interception while Nick Saenz picked off his fourth INT of the year. Obi had two key sacks in the game.

Pearland will host Alvin for Homecoming on Friday, October 26 at The Rig at 7:00 p.m. The Yellowjackets are 0-8 overall and 0-4 in district. A win by the Oilers will nail down another playoff spot for the eighth straight year.

by Dr. David Davis E-mail: drdd@swbell.net