Article By Greg Jaklewicz
Photos courtesy of TexPix.com
Highlights
Wylie scores 70 points for the second time this season
Julius Laine rushes 21 times for a career-high 300 yards and five touchdowns
The Bulldogs turn a failed onside kick and three turnovers into 28 third-quarter points to break open a back-and-forth game
A Season Finale to Remember
For a last game, it was a keeper for both teams Friday night at Hugh Sandifer Stadium.
Wylie and Plainview, neither qualifying for the playoffs, put on a show. The teams combined for 1,177 offensive yards, 53 first downs and 122 points, with Wylie outsourcing Plainview 70-52 on Senior Night.
The teams’ placekickers were 17-for-17 on PATs and 1-for-1 on field goals.
Laine’s Career Night
Bulldogs running back Julius Laine, a four-year starter, had a career night. The senior rushed 21 times—matching his jersey number—for a whopping 300 yards and five touchdowns. He came into the game with 672 yards rushing in nine games; he totaled close to one-third of his season total of 972 in one game.
He eclipsed his marks of 262 yards and four TDs in a 2024 win at Wichita Falls Memorial.
“If I’m granted the opportunity that the O-line does for me, I do what I’m coached. And stick to my instincts,” Laine said of his magical night.
Laine’s spectacular night overshadowed yet another outstanding game by Plainview senior quarterback Seth Mayberry, also a four-year player. Mayberry threw for 452 yards and four touchdowns, caught a TD pass, rushed for another score, and ran for a team-high 68 yards.
A Celebration of Effort and Heart
If fans wanted offense, they got offense. The entertaining game helped put aside the disappointment of not making the playoffs. Players were joined on the field by the band, dance team, and cheerleaders, along with relatives and friends, to watch season highlights on the south end zone video board. Smiles and hugs mixed with tears.
“I’m more sweet than bitter,” senior center Barrett Huffington said over the music.
Added senior Jordan Lockett, “It’s awesome to walk off with a win. It’s bittersweet but it’s definitely nice to walk off with a W.”
Coach Clay Martin enjoyed the moment.
“We’re around each other so much, ups and downs. We’ll just remember this and be proud to be part of it,” Martin said.
The farewell began before the kickoff, when he thanked the players and captains for their effort.
“They will be greatly missed. A lot of hours and a lot of hard work to get the opportunity to play this big game.”
Third Quarter Turnaround
Despite the scoring, it was a flurry of mistakes by Plainview in the third quarter that turned the game in Wylie’s favor. Until then, the visiting Bulldogs had played an almost perfect game in hoping for a season-ending upset.
For once, Wylie won the flip and deferred to the second half.
Down 31-28 after Plainview’s Hector Rodriguez booted a 32-yard field goal as time expired in the first half, Wylie went right to work.
The teams combined for 11 possessions and scored on 10. Plainview had to punt on its opening drive—it was the only punt of the game.
The Turning Point
Plainview’s first mistake might have been trying too hard. The visiting Bulldogs attempted an onside kick and got it. However, the officials flagged Plainview for fair catch interference when athletic Jordan Porter secured the football first.
Wylie started at the Plainview 42 after the penalty was assessed. A seven-play drive was capped by Laine’s 6-yard run, his second TD of the game.
After Noah Rehburg kicked the fifth of his 10 PATs, Wylie led 35-31 and would not give up the lead.
Things only got worse for Plainview.
Mayberry and running back Blake Williams muffed an exchange and Wylie senior Deandre Rodriguez recovered at the Wylie 43. Laine burst 33 yards to fuel a touchdown drive capped by Jadin Karleskint’s 11-yard throw to Dylan Regala.
Williams fumbled on the next drive after a good gain and Carter Nelson fell on the ball at the Plainview 35.
Give it to Laine, who found a lane and went to the end zone on the first play. Wylie suddenly was up 49-31.
Mayberry marched his team downfield, but his throw to Grayson McMillan in triple coverage was picked off by Regala on the sideline at the Wylie 11.
That was the final bell for Plainview.
Offensive Line Dominance
The Bulldogs were able to get a lot of players into the game in the fourth quarter, especially seniors. But Laine got two more carries. The first went for no gain, only the second time the big back did not get positive yards.
But then he broke free for 49 yards. That put him at an even 300.
“He did a great job of hitting the holes tonight. He made some great moves in the pocket there and in the hole,” Martin said. “Just a big night for him.”
Laine averaged 14.3 yards a carry and had six carries for 30 or more yards.
“I had more opportunities,” he said of his 21 carries. Laine also caught a screen pass for a 27-yard gain.
He, too, took in the moment after the game.
“Bittersweet,” he said, looking around the field packed with Bulldogs and fans. “I don’t want it to be my last game. We’ll see where God takes me.”
The Big Men Up Front
While Laine displayed deceptive speed for a big guy and his ability to break tackles, credit goes to the Wylie offensive line. The starting group of Huffington, Mark Esquivel, Wyatt Gilliam, Sutton Stephenson, and Jaxon Wristen blew open holes wide enough for Laine to get clear. Esquivel, Gilliam, and Huffington played their last game.
“I can’t say enough about those offensive linemen,” Martin said. “Julius obviously had a big night, but those guys did a great job up front.”
Laine agreed.
“I can’t do anything without the O-line,” he said. “I praise God and the O-line.”
At halftime, Huffington was honored with the Don Mouser Award, given to the senior who displays the highest level of “dedication, desire and determination.”
“I was going all out. It feels really good when we see (Laine) go in,” Huffington said.
Defense Seals the Win
There were stacks of big moments, but one not to be overlooked belonged to Lockett.
Down 70-52, Plainview’s Porter did get an onside kick and Mayberry guided his team to the Wylie 12. He went for the score but Lockett intercepted in the right corner of the end zone with 15 seconds to play.
“I saw the ball and made a play,” Lockett said. “You always have to keep fighting out there.”
Reserve quarterback Jonah Holmes, who had scored his first touchdown on the season to get Wylie to 70 points for the second time this season, kneeled to end the game.
By the Numbers
Friday’s win snapped a three-game Wylie losing streak but extended Plainview’s to five after a stunning 37-22 win over Lubbock-Cooper to open district play.
Wylie totaled 580 yards, a season high. The run-pass combination finally returned.
Karleskint accounted for 209 yards—130 passing and 79 rushing. He scored his second rushing touchdown and threw for three touchdowns—two to Regala.
Blaze Ruffin caught his ninth touchdown pass of the season.
In a game with so much offense, Wylie did not register a turnover.
Final Word
What mattered most, however, was which bulbs were burning on the scoreboard—those illuminating a 7 and 0 on Wylie’s side.