CROWLEY, Texas (Oct. 9, 2025) — In a matchup that stayed tense until the final minutes, Mansfield leaned on its defense and disciplined play to close out a 28–14 victory over Crowley on Thursday night at the Crowley Multi-Sport Complex.
The first half was a grind-it-out defensive battle defined by penalties and missed opportunities. Mansfield (3–4) overcame a slow start, striking midway through the second quarter when senior quarterback Mykah Lankford (#2) connected with Zion Robinson (#8) on a 12-yard touchdown. That score capped a 75-yard drive fueled by three third-down conversions, giving the Tigers a 7–0 halftime lead.
Crowley (2–5) opened the second half with a jolt of offense. Junior quarterback Kendrick Kennedy Jr. (#10) marched the Eagles down the field in just three plays to tie the game 7–7 less than a minute into the third quarter.
The response from Mansfield was immediate. Lankford led a 65-yard drive, converting on a pair of crucial third downs before keeping the ball on a 6-yard quarterback draw to reclaim the lead, 14–7. The Tigers finished the night with 298 total yards of offense, including 157 through the air from Lankford, who completed 11 of 18 passes with one touchdown and no interceptions.
Crowley stayed within reach through much of the second half, highlighted by a 48-yard touchdown connection from Kennedy to wide receiver Antayvious Ellis (#1) early in the fourth quarter to even the score at 14–14. Kennedy completed 10 of 21 passes for 132 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
Mansfield’s defense, however, proved the difference down the stretch. The Tigers forced three turnovers on downs and also turned two interceptions into instant points in the final three minutes. Mansfield broke the tie with a 45-yard pick-six down the near sideline, and on Crowley’s very next possession, Mansfield jumped an out route for another interception return, sealing the 28–14 win.
“Defensively, that was the best stretch we’ve played all season,” Mansfield head coach Gregory George said. “We went into this week focusing on tackling, blocking, and taking care of the football. But more than that, we talked about how to respond. You’re going to make mistakes, it’s what you do next that defines you.”
Statistically, Mansfield’s composure showed. The Tigers committed five penalties for 35 yards, compared to Crowley’s nine penalties for 87 yards, including two drive-stalling personal fouls. Crowley finished with 254 total yards of offense and controlled time of possession for much of the third quarter but was undone by late mistakes.
Lankford, who accounted for two total touchdowns, praised his teammates for staying composed under pressure. “The defense backed us up the whole game,” he said. “We just had to execute and figure it out in the second half. The energy never dropped, and it showed on the scoreboard.”
Davis echoed that mindset after his game-changing interception. “Coach always tells us to stay locked in,” he said. “We knew if we trusted our reads, big plays would come. That pick was all about preparation and believing in what we practiced.”
For Crowley, the loss was a lesson in consistency. Kennedy’s mobility kept the Eagles alive, while senior receiver Ellis finished with five receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown. But turnovers and penalties haunted them in key moments.
“We battled,” Crowley head coach Carlos Lynn said. “Our kids played hard, but we’ve got to finish drives and take care of the ball. Mansfield capitalized when it mattered most.”
Despite the scoreboard, Crowley outgained Mansfield on the ground, 122 rushing yards to 111. Mansfield’s balanced attack, with Lankford, Robinson, and senior Chime Ojirika (#12) combining for 10 catches kept the chains moving efficiently in the fourth quarter.
For George, Thursday’s win was about more than the numbers. “This team has heart,” he said. “Coaching is a calling, and seeing these young men grow into good players and even better people is what it’s all about.”
Mansfield (now 3–4) will celebrate homecoming next Friday, while Crowley (2–5) looks to regroup before taking on district rival North Crowley in a critical matchup later this season.
All statistics cited are unofficial and based on live, in-game estimates.