In the previous 64 gridiron meetings of Mineola and Winnsboro high schools, there had been only three games determined by a single point. Each of those games likely created lore which lasted for generations.

Last Friday, a new classic was added to the list, as the Yellowjackets defeated the Red Raiders 36-35 at Meredith Memorial Stadium.

The game was full of great plays. The performance of the Mineola defensive line late in the game was exemplary. Of specific note, back-to-back plays by Nate Griffin shut down a Winnsboro possession with the game tied late. In Winnsboro’s final possession, D.J. Newsome came out of the blocks fast and sacked the Raider quarterback on a third-and-long.

Yellowjacket T.J. Moreland was back in action. He provided skilled leadership at quarterback and tossed two touchdown passes. Additionally, at the end of the first half he used his closing speed to defend a long pass which may have gone for a Winnsboro score. Finally, in the game’s final throes, he stripped a Winnsboro receiver of the ball on a long pass play, effectively securing a Mineola win.

It was another headlining night for Dawson Pendergrass. The Mineola junior ran through the Winnsboro defense for 222 yards on 20 carries. Additionally, he made tackles all over the field, blocked an extra point attempt, scored four touchdowns – including an 80-yard jaunt after taking a swing pass out of the backfield – and registered the winning two-point conversion. 

Such all-around football talent is rare, and it is a pleasure to watch. If there is a single characteristic which separates Pendergrass from most scholastic athletes, it is his field vision. His understanding of when and how hard to cut when carrying the ball and his sense of how to break the pursuit angles of defenders are eclipsed only by his speed and strength.

He and the Jackets had work to do. Winnsboro took the opening possession and scored on a 55-yard drive. Mineola defensive end Julian Ramos came within a whisper of sacking the quarterback on the play. 

Mineola punted and Winnsboro promptly marched 62 yards for their second score. Pendergrass blocked the extra point attempt, leaving the score 13-0. 

The Jackets geared up and drove 72 yards with Pendergrass carrying each down. He scored behind nice blocking on right side of the Yellowjacket offensive line. At the end of one quarter, the visitors held a 13-7 advantage. 

With the Jackets defense beginning to key on the quarterback powers and quarterback draws which worked so well for Winnsboro in the opening quarter, the Raiders were forced to go to the air. Mineola created a turnover-on-downs near mid-field. 

Moreland hit Brady Shrum with a quick out route down to the Raider 40. On the next play Pendergrass took the ball around the left end and sliced and spun through the Raider secondary for a 40-yard score. Christian Martinez gave Mineola their first lead, 14-13, with a successful PAT. 

Winnsboro came storming back. Reverting to their power running attack, they ground out an 82-yard drive with traps and power plays. The drive did feature the best football play of the night, an exquisitely-executed middle screen which went for 17 yards.

Winnsboro found the end zone and used a jump-pass to score the 2-point conversion. They took a 21-14 lead into halftime. 

The Jackets came out with renewed energy. They scored on their opening two possessions of the second half. After six offensive plays, Mineola had taken a 28-21 lead. 

Adjustments had been made by the Mineola defense. They shored up the edges and started to get consistent penetration into the Winnsboro backfield. 

Winnsboro wasn’t done, however. Using impromptu quarterback scrambles and quarterback draws, the Raiders pieced together a 65-yard scoring drive. The game was tied going into the final quarter.

Each team had a short possession to open the quarter. Winnsboro then scored with a time-consuming 72-yard drive. 

Following the kick-off, the Jackets were 75 yards from the end zone with the clock ticking away. After four carries by Pendergrass, they were at the Winnsboro 34. Moreland then rolled right and lofted a high pass to Shrum who was running a stop and go. Shrum out-leapt the Raider defender, spun and sprinted to the end zone. 

Down by one point, the game would be determined by the 2-point conversion attempt. It was strength against strength. Pendergrass took a direct snap and followed the wedge created by the right side of the offensive line for the winning score. 

It was a classic. 

The Jackets travel north to Bonham Friday.