Frisco, TX — The Melissa Cardinals left no doubt Friday night, overwhelming Frisco Memorial in a 69-0 shutout that showcased dominance in all three phases of the game. From a blocked punt returned for a touchdown in the opening minutes to a relentless offensive attack led by quarterback Brett Holloway Jr., Melissa controlled every snap on the field.

Fast Start on Special Teams

The tone was set early when Melissa blocked a punt deep in Memorial territory. The ball was scooped and returned 50 yards for the first touchdown of the game, giving the Cardinals a 7-0 lead just minutes after kickoff.

Offensive Firepower

From there, the offense took over. Holloway Jr. ran in a 1-yard score before connecting with his receivers for multiple long touchdowns. He found Dalton Dababneh for a 24-yard strike in the second quarter, then again for a 70-yard bomb later in the half. He also linked up with D’monye Washington on a 60-yard scoring pass, showcasing the Cardinals’ ability to score from anywhere on the field.

Not to be outdone, the ground game piled on points as D’monye Washington ripped off a 55-yard rushing touchdown, and Bear Tabor added a 23-yard scoring run to stretch the lead even further.

By halftime, Melissa led 59-0.

Defense Creates Opportunities

The defense was just as dominant, swarming the Memorial backfield with sacks, tackles for loss, and turnovers. Linebacker Landen Jones provided one of the biggest highlights of the night, returning a fumble for a touchdown to cap a 28-point first quarter for Melissa.

Second-Half Control

With the outcome already decided, Melissa continued to execute in the second half. Holloway Jr. threw another touchdown pass to Washington, and the Cardinals’ defense held firm, shutting out Memorial for all four quarters.

A late field goal pushed the final margin to 69-0, one of the largest victories in recent program history.

Key Performers

– QB Brett Holloway Jr. – 4 passing TDs (24, 60, 70, 53 yards), 1 rushing TD

– WR/CB D’monye Washington – 55-yard rushing TD, 2 receiving TDs (60, 53 yards)

– WR Dalton Dababneh – 2 receiving TDs (24, 70 yards)

– RB Bear Tabor – 23-yard rushing TD, multiple long runs

– LB Landen Jones – Fumble recovery returned for touchdown

– K Mateo Gentile – 7/7 PAT, 1 field goal (38 yards)

– Special Teams – Blocked punt returned 50 yards for TD

Cardinals Bounce Back

Melissa improves to 1-1 on the season after rebounding from a 14-10 loss to national powerhouse Don Bosco Prep (New Jersey), a program ranked No. 99 nationally and no. 2 in New Jersey. Friday’s dominant win showed just how dangerous this team can be when all phases are clicking. With Holloway Jr. at the helm and a defense forcing turnovers at will, the Cardinals look every bit the powerhouse they were projected to be in Texas 5A Division II.

📸 Photo Credits: Special thanks to Kamya McGregor (@shotbykamya.m on Instagram) for capturing and sharing game photos with The Anna Progress. Your work helps bring the story of Friday night to life.