GARLAND – Count A.J. Maddox for two touchdowns, one interception and one successful halftime speech.

Maddox ran for a touchdown, caught a long touchdown pass and intercepted a pass to lead Lakeview Centennial to a 28-16 win over Sachse on Friday night at Williams Stadium.

But it was what Maddox did in the locker room at halftime that had the biggest impact.

"I just told them that we weren't playing hungry anymore," Maddox said. "I can look in your eyes and see who wants it, and you guys don't want it. You've got to play every game like it's the state championship."

The speech worked, as Lakeview, down 16-7 at halftime, rallied for 21 unanswered points for the win.

"A.J. is one of our best leaders," Lakeview coach Don Willis said. "He's not going down without a fight."

With Lakeview's leading rusher Vance Thomas ruled academically ineligible, Maddox carried the load, rushing 15 times for 39 yards and punching in a touchdown from 3 yards in the fourth quarter. Later in the fourth, Maddox intercepted a pass from Sachse quarterback Henry Hunter to seal the win.

"I play both sides of the ball, so I don't care which side I'm on," Maddox said. "I just play football."

Maddox's lone reception was a big one. After catching a pass from quarterback Shaun DePolo, he broke a tackle and streaked down the sideline for a 78-yard touchdown in the first half.

Lakeview's defense stood tall in the second half, holding Sachse to just one first down and scoring on a 21-yard fumble return by defensive back Corrigan Powell.

"Our defense has been solid all year," Willis said. "They struggled in the first half because the offense couldn't get anything going, so they were tired and gave up some big plays. But once they got a chance, they really stepped up."

DePolo threw for 138 yards, and running back Richard Martin threw an 89-yard touchdown pass to Troy White on a trick play. Hunter led Sachse with 162 yards passing and a touchdown. He also ran for a score.

After the game, Maddox was still fired up while reliving his halftime speech.

"We've have too much heart to lose this game," Maddox said.