BREAKING: Arlington Seguin has secured a thrilling 23-22 victory over Mansfield Summit, clinching a coveted playoff spot in District 3-5A Division II. This decisive win came during a nail-biting “win-or-go-home” showdown held at Vernon Newsom Stadium on Thursday night, July 15, 2025.
In a pivotal moment of the game, senior wide receiver Johnaven Polk executed a stunning 32-yard pass on a fake punt with just three minutes remaining, sealing the victory for Seguin. “We worked on that play in practice this week, but not in that kind of wind,” Polk said after the game. “Our team is a monster that keeps fighting.”
With this win, Seguin (7-3, 5-3 in District 3-5A Division II) has earned its second consecutive playoff appearance and the ninth in school history. They will enter the playoffs as the fourth seed, preparing for a challenging first-round road game. In contrast, Mansfield Summit (6-4, 5-3), which has been a consistent playoff contender in previous years, has now missed the postseason for the second consecutive year after a streak of five straight appearances from 2018-2023.
The stakes were high, with Seguin holding a narrow one-point lead when the fake punt was called on a crucial 4th-and-7 play. Head coach Joe Gordon emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “I didn’t want them to have the ball with that much time left.” The successful play kept Seguin’s hopes alive as they continued to fend off a late-game comeback from Summit.
Summit rallied in the second half, led by senior quarterback Ian Gebhardt, who rushed for 152 yards and scored on a 10-yard run to bring the Jaguars within nine points. However, their efforts fell short as they reached the Seguin 36-yard line on their final possession, ultimately ending the game on an incomplete pass in the end zone.
After a sluggish start, both teams found their rhythm in the second half. Seguin turned a halftime deadlock of 8-8 into a commanding 23-8 lead with two quick touchdowns. Polk scored on runs of 10 and 4 yards, showcasing his versatility on the field.
Despite the loss, Summit coach Channon Hall expressed optimism about his team’s performance, saying, “I felt good about the way we were coming back in the second half.” However, the Jaguars struggled to capitalize on key opportunities early in the game, including a promising first-quarter drive halted at the Seguin 5-yard line.
The intensity of the game was marked by numerous penalties, with officials calling 13 penalties for 140 yards in the first half alone. This disrupted the flow of play and left both teams frustrated as they battled for dominance.
As Seguin prepares for the playoffs, they will look to build on their momentum from this electrifying victory. Fans can expect a thrilling postseason as the Cougars aim to make a deep run. The playoff brackets are set, and Seguin’s first-round matchup promises to be an exciting challenge.
Stay tuned for updates as the Cougars gear up for their playoff journey, and share this incredible victory with fellow fans! Follow us for more high school sports coverage and breaking news.
