McCollum surges in second half to take down Lanier and clinch playoff berth
The senior quarterback led the Cowboys to points on their first five drives of the second half to surge past the Voks to a perfect 5-0 record in District 14-5A-II.
In a thrilling second half performance, McCollum Cowboys pulled away from Lanier Voks and secured their first playoff berth since 2015 with a 57-21 victory at the SAISD Sports Complex on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026. Coach David Wilkinson urged his team to return to fundamental football strategies after a slow start. Senior quarterback Luke Tejeda led the charge, completing 16 of 19 passes for 263 yards and two touchdowns as McCollum took control in the second half.
Tejeda's decision-making and poise were praised by Wilkinson, citing his development over two years and work ethic. Lanier scored early with a 69-yard run, but McCollum answered with a 7-play drive ending in a rushing touchdown by Jordan Casares. Lanier regained the lead on a designed QB power play, but McCollum's defense held firm in the second half.
A big kickoff return and two key drives, including a 52-yard score by Jaedon Casares and two one-yard scores, sealed the win. Coach Wilkinson expressed excitement about the playoff berth but emphasized the need to prepare for the next challenge.
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