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CARROLLTON – Lewisville’s punishing defense was too much for Hebron in the first half of a 39-14 victory on Friday that set up a big District 5-6A showdown against Denton Guyer next week.
Lewisville (4-1 in district, 5-3 overall) also clinched a seventh straight trip to the playoffs and will host Denton Guyer (also 4-1 in 5-6A) next Friday in a battle of second-place teams behind undefeated Coppell. Hebron is 2-3 in district and 4-4 overall.
“That’s what it’s about, seven years in a row,” Lewisville coach Michael Odle said. “Before that it was maybe two in the last 15. To come in here and beat a heckuva team on the road, they’re all big. Guyer is a big physical football team. We are going to have a work cut out for us, but we are going to get home, take care of our bumps and bruises and get back to work.”
Lewisville led 36-0 at halftime with a defense led by linebacker Rhyan Sewell holding Hebron to just 73 yards and four first downs in the first half. Sewell had multiple tackles for losses and a blocked punt that set up one of Lewisville’s touchdowns.
Defensive back D’Angelo King had a big night with two interceptions and a punt return for a touchdown. Lewisville’s defensive performance was a complete turnaround from last week when they allowed 55 points in a loss to No. 10 Coppell.
“Coming off that loss to Coppell, we kind of regrouped and now we are just looking to the future,’ defensive captain Sean Oliver said. “We took practice more seriously this week and were more focused. I knew I had to make a statement and do better than last week.”
Lewisville’s defensive front of Oliver, Gabe Webb, Keegan Grubbs, Xavier Fleming and Tahj Starks dominated the line of scrimmage. Sewell and linebackers Mac Curington and Devin Robinson helped Hebron to 21 yards rushing in the first half.
The Lewisville secondary – with King, Zephen Walker, Aiden Evans, Deontae Weathers, Jaiden Brown and Brian Thomas all getting action – held Hebron to 52 yards passing in the first half.
“To be in a new district, tough district, and make the playoffs means a lot to us,” King said. “We have been through a lot this year, ups and downs, so this really means a lot.”
Tenel Hill had 162 yards rushing – giving him 1,003 on the season - and two touchdowns. His one-yard scoring gave Lewisville a 7-0 lead with 5:45 to go in the first quarter. Then Lewisville’s defense really started to assert itself.
Hebron started the next possession on their own 19 but Oliver and Sewell both came up with big losses behind the line of scrimmage. Hebron had to punt and King returned it 43 yards for a touchdown.
“You know, with me and him on that edge, we’re something special so we just went out and did what we do,” Sewell said. “Play our technique, look at their eyes and execute.
Lewisville led 14-0 after one quarter before breaking it open with 22 points in the second.
“Heckuva first half led by the defense for sure,” Odle said. “They had a really good plan and executed it.”
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