Texas running back commit Johnathan Gray entered his playoff game against rival Stephenville on Saturday with revenge on his mind.
Gray's Bearcats had a 29-game winning streak snapped in a Zero Week loss against the Yellow Jackets, so the star running back was primed and ready to get his team off to a fast start, doing so with a 76-yard touchdown run on Aledo's second play from scrimmage.
However, the eventual 33-0 victory for Aledo ended up being bittersweet for Gray, as he was ejected from the game after his second unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for taunting. While the first penalty may have been warranted, as Gray reportedly made a throat-slashing gesture that he claimed later was not directed at the opponent, the second personal foul looks much more questionable:
Johnathon Gray Ejected in Playoff game (via tcumaniac2010)
The video of the play in question begins around the 1:45 mark.
Aledo head coach Tim Buchanan did indicate that Gray will be available next week as the Bearcats continue their assault on a third consecutive 4A state title against Corsicana in the state semifinals.
Gray did express some contrition to the team after his ejection, but seemed as if he didn't agree with the calls in a statement afterwards:
I'm glad for our team. I'm glad we won. I'm not all about myself. I apologized for it, getting kicked out of the game. They made some terrible calls. But that's what you have to live with.
Before the ejection, Gray was able to gain 195 yards rushing on 18 carries, helping him pass former Longhorn Traylon Shead on the Texas career rushing list. A second touchdown was taken away as a result of his second personal foul penalty.