HOUSTON - Kevin Hall knows this is probably not the last time his team will see Fort Bend Marshall.
The two power programs in District 11-5A-DII dueled it out in another instant classic on Friday night at Hall Stadium. Last year's went to Fort Bend Marshall, a 52-51 overtime victory, which was a part of a 15-1 state runner-up season.
The next chapter of what is becoming a rising rivalry in Houston this time went to the Mavericks, holding off a late 14-point push by the Buffs to hold on for the 38-34 victory, snapping Fort Bend Marshall's 17-game regular season winning streak.
"We got the breaks this time, I'll take it," Hall said. "Unfortunately, if we both take care of business we'll see each other again in December."
Fort Bend Marshall (3-1, 1-1) hadn't lost a regular season game since October 14, 2017. That last loss, ironically, came to Manvel.
Tucker Yarbrough, who went 12-for-29 for 216 yards and three touchdowns, guided the offense early, which didn't surprise Hall but it was the running game that he didn't know if it would be able to get rolling.
Jordon Vaughn (14 car. for 80 yards, 1 TD) and Donavan Eaglin (14 car. for 35 yards, 1 TD) carried the load for the Mavericks.
"I was concerned we weren't going to be able to run the ball on them," Hall admitted. "But Donavan Eaglin and Jordon Vaughn hit the holes tonight like I've never seen them hit it. They were warriors and they carried us. And then some unbelievable throws and catches from Tucker to our receivers. My hats off to the offensive line. We weren't perfect but I saw them mature tonight like I have not seen since two-a-days.
"We replaced 10 people on offense and they played like Mavericks tonight."
With 9:27 left in the game, Manvel (4-0, 2-0) had extended its lead to 38-20.
Then, it was the Devon Achane show. The senior running back reeled in a 17-yard touchdown reception and then raced in from 19 yards just minutes later to cut the lead down to 38-34 with 5:18 to go.
Achane finished with 25 carries for 161 yards and two touchdowns and seven receptions for 97 yards and two scores.
Fort Bend Marshall had one last chance with 3.9 seconds remaining, pushed back to the 46 because of a sack by Kaelon Cox, but Malik Hornsby's deep pass attempt fell to turf, which sealed the four-point victory.
"It can give them confidence that I'm not going to die of a heart attack because if I survive that tonight, I can survive anything," Hall said with a laugh. "We're going to love this for about 24 hours and then it's the next team."
At the end of the day it is just another win.
A win though that will most likely lock up the District 11-5A-DII Championship here in September. Most likely the No. 1 seed for the playoffs if the Mavericks win out.
But don't call it a "statement". Don't make it bigger than a regular season, district victory. Hall and the Mavericks sure aren't because beating Fort Bend Marshall on September 20 is not the ultimate goal for this 2019 Manvel squad.
"This is a great game and a great win but this doesn't matter, what matters is Cowboys Stadium in December," Hall said. "Manvel's been there three times and we're 0-fer. I'd love a chance to try to finish it. We've got a long way to go but I'm so proud of what we did tonight."
