2001 4A
Div. 1 State Champions
The 2001 Ryan
Raiders built on the success of their 2000 campaign with a 15-0 season and
their 1st state championship. With an electrifying offense and a staunch
defense, Ryan rallied to an average margin of victory of 24 points. The Raiders
avenged two of their three 2000 losses with a 43-7 win over Dallas Samuel and a
51-7 victory over District rival Denison culminating in the programís first
ever district championship.
The
Raiders opened 2001
post-season play with a repeat of their 2000 match-up versus Waxahachie. In a
thrilling to-the-wire showdown, the Raiders overcame a 14-0 deficit to
defeat the Indians 28-24. Advancing to the area round, Ryan faced Dallas
Sunset at Texas Stadium. Defeating the Sunset Bisons 39-21, the Raiders advanced
to the third round to play the Corsicana Tigers. Desperate to prove that the
2000 result was a fluke, the Tigers came to Homer B. Johnson Stadium in Garland
with revenge on their minds. In a battle between two of the stateís stingiest
defenses, the Raiders prevailed 16-10, advancing to the state semifinal game,
which pitted the Raiders against the highly touted defense of the Burleson
Elks. The Raiders soundly defeated the Elks 39-0, sending them back to the
State title game for a chance at redemption.
The 2001
4A Division I Texas Bowl will be remembered by the Raider faithful
not only for the fact that it was their first state championship victory, but
also for the manner in which they emerged victorious. In the torrential rain at
Waco I.S.D. Stadium, Ryan squared off against the undefeated Smithson
Valley Rangers. Turnovers put the Raiders in a 14-point hole, as they
tried to go toe to toe against the Rangers. In an awesome display of intestinal
fortitude, Ryan rallied back to tie the game, sending the match into
overtime. With the prospect of losing two title games staring Ryan in
the face, the Raiders came up with big play after big play, converting
on 3rd and 12 to move into scoring position, scoring on 3rd and 2 for the lead,
and intercepting a Ranger pass on 3rd down to seal the victory.
Key
Seniors: WR/CB
Okoto Okpo, WR/FS Cass Starks, DB Nathan Sewell, DE Brian Smith, DT Dontrey
Flemmings, OG Richard Kirksey, OT Nick Zuniga, C Jonathan Newman, K Chad
Rakestra
