Harlandale Indians secured a share of the District 14-5A-II title with a gritty 23-20 victory over neighborhood rivals McCollum in the Frontier Bowl Friday night at Harlandale Memorial Stadium. The win capped a dominant season for the Indians, who have claimed nine of the last ten Frontier Bowl matchups against the Cowboys. Despite allowing McCollum to mount a spirited fourth-quarter rally that erased a 23-7 deficit, Harlandale’s defensive unit maintained composure to preserve the lead and clinch the district crown alongside Sam Houston.
Defense and grit secure Harlandale’s playoff seed as late McCollum rally falls short
The result finalizes a tri-championship for the district, with tiebreakers and positive points determining the final playoff seeding. Sam Houston enters the Class 5A Division II playoffs as the first-place seed, while Harlandale (7-3, 7-1) locks in the second-place slot. McCollum (7-3, 7-1) finishes third in the district standings. This strategic positioning ensures all three teams advance to the postseason, highlighting the intense parity and competitive depth within District 14-5A-II this season.
Looking ahead, Harlandale will host Liberty Hill in the bi-district round of the playoffs next Friday at 7 p.m. at Harlandale Memorial Stadium. Senior Jacob Schindler, who delivered two pivotal plays in the final stretch, credited the team’s mental toughness for weathering McCollum’s late surge. The Indians’ ability to protect a substantial lead under pressure signals a resilient squad ready to defend their home turf in the opening round of the postseason.
Source: Yahoo Sports
