Written and Photos by: Nick Debose
Mckinney DE Johnathan Agumadu
We kicked off the 2023 Texas High School football season Thursday night at the beautiful McKinney ISD Stadium. We watched a thriller, as the McKinney Lions opened the season with a 23-21 victory over Texas High School Football powerhouse Longview Lobos.
McKinney scored first on a Khali Best 9-yard touchdown run early in the first quarter. After USC commit Bryan Jackson went down with an arm injury, the Lions used a two Quarterback system led by Senior Athlete Godspower Nwawuihne, who led the Lions in rushing and scored 2 touchdowns. While Nwawuihne used his legs to lead the offense, Jeremiah Daoud led the offense with his arm throwing for 60 yards.
The Lions defense was led by Florida commit Safety Xavier Filsaime, who had 4 tackles, 2 pass breakups, a tackle for loss and a game sealing forced fumble recovered by Will Spearman, that sealed the Lions victory. Riley Pettijohn (8 tackles), Kam Oliver (6 tackles), and Oklahoma State commit Johnathan Agumadu (sack and tackle for loss) had big nights for McKinney also.
Longview (304 Total Yards) outgained McKinney (170 Total Yards). The Lobos were led by Oklahoma commit, Running Back Taylor Tatum, who led the Lobos ground attack with 149 yards and 2 touchdowns. Tatum, also threw a 31-yard touchdown pass to Wideout DaKaylen Reese. Reese had a big night with 159 yards and 2 scores receiving. Quarterback Andrew Tutt led the Lobos in passing with 145 yards and a touchdown to Reese.
Xavier Filsmaire
Johnathan Agumadu
McKinney (1-0) will face Richardson Berkner Friday night. While Longview (0-1) will face Marshall.