For nearly three decades, generations of Seagoville players tried to return the Dragons to the postseason.
The drought began after the 1956 playoff season and continued through coaching changes, close losses and several promising teams. By the early 1980s, the Dragons were beginning to show signs of a breakthrough.
Floyd Wells became one of the program’s most powerful runners. In 1982, he broke loose for a 79-yard touchdown against Midlothian and scored twice in a shutout of Lincoln. Eli Escobar then produced an outstanding 1983 season. He rushed 29 times for 176 yards and three touchdowns against Bishop Lynch and gained 143 yards against North Dallas while also returning an interception 42 yards for a score.
The breakthrough finally came in 1984.
Seagoville opened district play with victories over Athens, Bishop Lynch, North Dallas and Woodrow Wilson. After a loss to Hillcrest, the Dragons responded with a dominant 19-0 victory over Lincoln to clinch a playoff berth. John Tenison blocked a punt and returned it 15 yards for a touchdown, while Sonny Gilcrease rushed for 140 yards.
Tenison was later named the District 5-4A Most Valuable Player.
The season ended with a 20-6 playoff loss to Taylor, but even that game produced a remarkable highlight. Robert Myers connected with Tenison for an 84-yard touchdown, and Tenison finished with four receptions for 117 yards.
The loss could not erase the accomplishment. After 28 years, Seagoville football was finally back in the playoffs.
The Road Back to the Playoffs, 1980–1984
41.
How many yards did Ricky Richards rush for during his District 6-AAAA Offensive Player of the Year season in 1980?
A. 1,200
B. 1,300
C. 1,400
D. 1,500
42.
Seagoville trailed 21-14 at halftime before rallying for a 27-21 victory over which opponent in 1980?
A. Athens
B. Bishop Lynch
C. Wylie
D. Bonham
43.
Who returned the opening kickoff 83 yards for the only touchdown in Seagoville’s 7-0 win over Bishop Lynch in 1981?
A. Floyd Wells
B. Jerry Cook
C. Steve Boss
D. Kevin Meister
44.
Who broke loose for a 79-yard touchdown in a 7-0 victory over Midlothian in 1982?
A. Eli Escobar
B. Kevin Meister
C. Floyd Wells
D. Brian Cox
45.
Who recovered Jerry Cook’s blocked punt in the end zone for the decisive touchdown against Madison in 1982?
A. Jimmy Carpenter
B. Paul King
C. Paul Frankum
D. Bryan Russell
46.
Eli Escobar rushed 29 times for 176 yards and three touchdowns against which opponent in 1983?
A. North Dallas
B. Adamson
C. Bishop Lynch
D. Madison
47.
Against which team did Eli Escobar rush for 143 yards and also return an interception 42 yards for a touchdown?
A. North Dallas
B. Lincoln
C. Bonham
D. McKinney
48.
How long was Seagoville’s playoff drought before the Dragons returned to the postseason in 1984?
A. 24 years
B. 26 years
C. 28 years
D. 30 years
49.
Who was named the District 5-4A Most Valuable Player in 1984?
A. Sonny Gilcrease
B. Robert Myers
C. John Tenison
D. Steve Dolive
50.
Robert Myers and John Tenison connected on an 84-yard touchdown against which playoff opponent?
A. Lincoln
B. Taylor
C. Hillcrest
D. Woodrow Wilson
Answer key: 41-C, 42-A, 43-B, 44-C, 45-A, 46-C, 47-A, 48-C, 49-C, 50-B
Tomorrow: The Perfect Regular Season of 1987
