ENNIS, Texas — November 6, 2025 — The Ennis Lions left no doubt in their regular-season finale, overpowering district rival Corsicana 42-13 on Thursday night to lock in a playoff berth and the district’s third seed. Behind senior quarterback Chris Martinez (#8) and a relentless defensive front, Ennis delivered a statement performance at home to close out the regular season 6-4 overall and 5-2 in District 6-5A Division II.
Ennis wasted little time asserting control, jumping to a 14-7 lead after the first quarter. Martinez opened the night with an early scoring drive capped by running back Wenderius Jones (#5), who finished with 73 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The senior quarterback added over 220 total yards, 145 through the air and 75 on the ground, while accounting for two rushing scores of his own.
By halftime, Ennis had built a 28-7 advantage, punctuated by a defensive scoop-and-score from linebacker Damion Baizar (#11) after a sack forced Corsicana quarterback Kevin Pointer Jr. (#2) to lose the ball deep in his own territory. The Lions’ defense, anchored by Baizar and Xavier Collins (#10), held the Tigers to under 150 total yards in the first half.
“I think it was huge for us,” said Ennis head coach Don Drake after the game. “There was a lot on the line tonight, both teams were fighting for a playoff position. I thought our kids responded really well in their performance tonight. I think we’re peaking at the right time, and that’s exactly where you want to be heading into playoffs.”
The second half opened with Corsicana (5-5, 3-4) trying to close the gap, but Ennis’ defense remained unyielding. Pointer completed short passes to CJ Davis (#4) and Mark Brown (#7) to move the chains, but repeated stops forced punts. Ennis capitalized again late in the fourth when Martinez connected with Traveon Steward (#1) on a 49-yard touchdown strike, stretching the lead to 35-7.
On the ensuing possession, defensive back Aaron Laza (#28) sealed the victory with a 44-yard interception return for a touchdown, Ennis’ second defensive score of the night.
“We’re just excited for the opportunity to play…” said Martinez after the game. “We’re happy with the win, but there’s always room for improvement.”
Corsicana’s bright spot came in the final minutes when running back Kristian Evans (#6) broke loose for a 71-yard run to set up a short touchdown, his team’s only score of the second half. Pointer finished 12-of-24 for 142 yards and two interceptions, while Evans led the Tigers with 108 rushing yards and one touchdown.
Despite the loss, Corsicana entered the night needing to win by at least eight points to steal the district’s final playoff spot from Crandall. The defeat eliminated them from postseason contention.
“I’d hate [if members of the community] couldn’t make it because we had a really good performance here by the Ennis Lions,” Drake added. “These kids competed their tail off for this community, and I’m really proud of them.”
The Lions’ offense finished with 398 total yards, 214 rushing and 184 passing, while the defense forced three turnovers, including two interceptions. Kicker Andre Ibanez (#0) went a perfect 6-for-6 on extra points.
BOX SCORE
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corsicana | 7 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 13 |
| Ennis | 14 | 14 | 0 | 14 | 42 |
GAME STATS (Post-Game Estimates)
Ennis Lions (6-4, 5-2)
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Chris Martinez (#8): 10/18, 145 yds, 1 TD, 75 rush yds, 2 rush TD
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Wenderius Jones (#5): 14 carries, 73 yds, 2 TD
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Traveon Steward (#1): 3 rec, 61 yds, 1 TD
-
Defense: 2 INT (Laza, Baizar), 1 FR-TD, 3 sacks
-
K Andre Ibanez (#0): 6/6 XP
Corsicana Tigers (5-5, 3-4)
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Kevin Pointer Jr. (#2): 12/24, 142 yds, 2 INT
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Kristian Evans (#6): 13 carries, 108 yds, 1 TD
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CJ Davis (#4): 4 rec, 47 yds
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Defense: 1 sack (Abraham Arredondo #20)
Stats and play-by-play are live in-game estimates compiled from NTX Varsity Sports coverage.