'D' secures first series win since 2002
Grand Prairie Gophers overcome halftime deficit to burst rival's hopes, 25-17
GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas -- South Grand Prairie's playoff hopes came to a crashing end Friday, courtesy of rival Grand Prairie.
With the defense forcing two fumbles, two interceptions and three sacks in the second half, the Gophers won the Battle of Grand Prairie, 25-17, at the Gopher-Warrior Bowl.
It was Grand Prairie's first victory since 2002 in the 36-year-old series. Grand Prairie trails 23-13 in the series, which began in 1974.
"I've never been prouder of a win," said Gary Bartel, the Gophers' sixth-year coach. "This group has been resilient."
Grand Prairie (2-7, 2-4) trailed 17-10 at intermission but recovered a pair of fumbles in the first four minutes of the third quarter. The recoveries set up touchdown passes of 57 and 19 yards from Tommy Alvarez to Deyontia Tennessee.
As it turned out, that was all Grand Prairie needed.
South Grand Prairie (4-6, 2-4) failed to establish the same ground attack that fueled three second-quarter scoring drives. In addition to four turnovers, the Warriors also saw two possessions end on incomplete passes on fourth down.
But the Gophers couldn't relax until Darrius Green intercepted a Jared Johnson pass with 17 seconds left, sparking a wild celebration on the Grand Prairie sideline.
Idle Duncanville was the big winner, grabbing the final playoff berth from District 7-5A.
South Grand Prairie had two touchdowns wiped out by penalties in the first half and still overcame a 10-0 deficit to take a 17-10 lead to intermission.
Running back Demetrious Thompson accounted for both of South Grand Prairie's touchdowns on runs of 1 and 7 yards.
Grand Prairie struck for the game's first 10 points, driving 70 yards for a touchdown on its first possession, capped by a 1-yard sneak by Vic Salinas.
