Anna, TX — The Anna Coyotes have put the finishing touches on a perfect regular season.
Anna defeated the Prosper Richland Raiders 56–31 at Coyote Stadium on Friday night, November 6, completing an undefeated 10–0 regular season and securing the District 4-5A Division II championship with a perfect 8–0 district record.
The victory capped off a remarkable regular-season campaign for the Coyotes, who overcame a narrow halftime lead before exploding for 28 unanswered points in the third quarter. The night also brought an individual milestone, as running back Juelz “Juju” Carter broke Anna High School’s single-season rushing record with a touchdown run late in the third quarter according to Anna High School.
Coyotes Take Early Lead
Anna opened the game on defense, forcing Richland to punt on its opening possession before taking over at its own 38-yard line.
The Coyotes moved quickly into Raiders territory, advancing inside the 10-yard line before Carter punched in a four-yard rushing touchdown with approximately six minutes remaining in the opening quarter. Desmar Marroquin converted the extra point, giving Anna a 7–0 advantage.
Richland threatened on its next possession, advancing deep into Anna territory, but the Coyotes’ defense held firm. Cam Pettijohn recorded a sack during the drive, and Richland ultimately turned the ball over on downs.
Neither team scored again in the first quarter, leaving Anna ahead 7–0.
Early in the second quarter, the Coyotes extended their lead when quarterback Zephyr Kreye connected with Carter on a 32-yard touchdown pass. Marroquin’s extra point made it 14–0.
Richland responded with a sustained drive of its own, eventually finding Donovan Ross for a 17-yard touchdown reception to cut Anna’s lead to 14–7.
The Raiders continued to apply pressure, taking possession in Anna territory on their next recorded drive and advancing inside the red zone. Although the Coyotes prevented another touchdown, Richland converted a field goal to make it a four-point contest.
Anna carried a 14–10 lead into halftime, with the district champions facing a considerably tighter contest than the opening quarter had suggested.
Third-Quarter Explosion Breaks Game Open
Whatever momentum Richland had established before halftime quickly disappeared after the break.
Anna received the second-half kickoff and marched downfield, with Kreye finishing the opening possession on an 11-yard touchdown run. The extra point extended the Coyotes’ advantage to 21–10.
The Anna defense then forced a turnover on downs, giving its offense another opportunity to build the lead.
Although that possession ended without points, Richland was unable to capitalize. Following a Raiders punt, Anna regained possession near midfield and quickly moved into scoring position.
Kreye connected with Jordan Parker on a 16-yard touchdown pass, stretching the lead to 28–10.
The Coyotes’ defense continued to frustrate Richland, forcing another turnover on downs near midfield. Anna took advantage almost immediately, with Carter breaking through for a 16-yard rushing touchdown to extend the lead to 35–10.
With 3:35 remaining in the third quarter, Carter established a new Anna High School single-season rushing record, adding another milestone to an already remarkable season for the Coyotes’ standout running back.
Carter finished the night with three total touchdowns, including two on the ground and one receiving.
The third-quarter scoring was not finished.
Late in the period, Anna’s Ryan Tsutsumi recovered a Richland fumble and returned it 38 yards for a defensive touchdown. Marroquin converted the extra point, sending the Coyotes into the fourth quarter with a commanding 42–10 lead.
Anna had outscored Richland 28–0 in the third quarter, turning a competitive game into a 32-point advantage in just 12 minutes of football.
Richland Rallies, Elder Answers
Anna Coyotes Head Coach and Athletic Director Seth Parr speaks with an official during Friday night’s regular-season finale against Prosper Richland at Coyote Stadium. (Photo courtesy of Colton Roper, @shots_by_ropier.)
Despite the deficit, Richland refused to go quietly.
The Raiders opened the fourth quarter with a touchdown pass and successful two-point conversion, cutting Anna’s lead to 42–18.
After forcing an Anna punt, Richland capitalized on favorable field position and scored another passing touchdown. The ensuing two-point conversion failed, leaving the score at 42–24.
Richland attempted an onside kick, but Anna recovered near midfield.
On the very next offensive play, Chasyn Elder broke free for a 52-yard rushing touchdown, restoring the Coyotes’ 25-point advantage at 49–24.
The Raiders answered again when quarterback Brighton Jones connected with Donovan Ross on a 52-yard touchdown pass. Gavin Villarreal added the extra point, narrowing the margin to 49–31.
Richland attempted another onside kick, but Tsutsumi recovered it for Anna.
With approximately three minutes remaining, Elder delivered another explosive run, scoring from 44 yards out to put the Coyotes ahead 56–31.
Anna’s defense delivered the final significant play of the evening when Caleb Smith intercepted a Richland pass in the closing minutes, helping the Coyotes bring their undefeated regular season to a close.
A Record-Breaking Night and a District Championship
Anna Coyotes quarterback Zephyr Kreye (#17) carries the football during Friday night’s 56–31 victory over Prosper Richland at Coyote Stadium. Kreye accounted for three touchdowns, including two passing and one rushing, helping Anna complete an undefeated regular season and secure the district championship. (Photo courtesy of Colton Roper, @shots_by_ropier.)
Friday’s victory was highlighted by several standout performances on both sides of the football.
Carter accounted for three touchdowns, scoring on runs of four and 16 yards while adding a 32-yard touchdown reception. His record-breaking rushing milestone provided one of the evening’s defining moments.
Kreye contributed three touchdowns of his own, throwing scoring passes to Carter and Parker while adding an 11-yard rushing score.
Elder provided the late-game fireworks with touchdown runs of 52 and 44 yards, both coming in the fourth quarter as Richland attempted to narrow the deficit.
Defensively, Tsutsumi returned a fumble 38 yards for a touchdown and recovered an onside kick in the fourth quarter. Pettijohn recorded a first-quarter sack, while Smith’s late interception helped close out the victory.
Marroquin also delivered a perfect night on extra points, converting all eight of Anna’s point-after attempts.
The victory secured Anna’s undefeated district championship, completing an 8–0 sweep of District 4-5A Division II and a 10–0 overall regular-season record.
It also marked the Coyotes’ third consecutive victory in which they overcame a competitive first half before pulling away, following their comeback victories over Denison and rival Celina.
For Anna, the regular-season accomplishments are now complete: ten games, ten victories, an outright district championship and a new school rushing record.
The Coyotes now turn their attention to the postseason, where they will look to carry their undefeated momentum into the Texas high school football playoffs.
All game-day photography courtesy of Colton Roper (@shots_by_ropier).
