INSTANT REACTION: Denton Ryan Shuts Down Lone Star to Advance to State Finals
ALLEN - In a game with two of the state's top three teams that each entered averaging 52 points a game, you'd expect some fireworks.
That's not what we got at Eagle Stadium on Saturday. Instead, Denton Ryan (15-0) and Frisco Lone Star (14-1) played to a very tough but scoreless first quarter only to see Ryan completely take over in the second quarter.
While the halftime score might have said 14-0, it certainly felt like Denton Ryan was having its way with Frisco Lone Star, which entered having beaten Highland Park twice, The Colony in district and Lancaster last week to get to this point. There were a lot of question marks for Denton Ryan, which seemingly hadn't faced that level of competition this year.
You would not have guessed it in the 5A Division I state semifinal in which Denton Ryan won 35-7. Denton Ryan's physicality seemed to wear down Frisco Lone Star. Garrett Rangel looked off on a number of passes and the Ryan defensive front made it difficult for Lone Star to get enough time on its routes.
Marvin Mims was the lone bright spot for Lone Star as he finished with 10 catches for 127 yards and the lone score, but most of it coming with Lone Star well behind. Mims did set the state's career receiving record in the game, surpassing Jordan Shipley.
Denton Ryan will now turn its attention to Alvin Shadow Creek, which is in its second straight state title game and is 30-1 in its two years as a varsity program. That game is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday at AT&T Stadium..
Ryan's win also marks the first time it has made it to the state finals since 2010 where it lost to Austin Lake Travis 27-7.
