Evangel quarterback Peyton Houston, an LSU commit, suffered an injured right (throwing) shoulder in the second quarter of Friday’s high school football game against Cornerstone Christian.
Cornerstone Christian defeated host Evangel Christian Academy 49-23 on Friday night in Shreveport.
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With the Eagles leading 7-0, Houston was injured on a second-down draw play, where he gained 13 yards.
“It was a freak accident,” Houston told the SBC Advocate. “We called a normal quarterback run like we always do. I got tackled from behind and the guy landed on me and I landed on my shoulder weird.
“I tried to move (my shoulder) around, it was good, then (on the next play) I rolled out and I tried to throw it to my guy and my arm just went out on me.”
The reigning SBC Advocate Offensive MVP and two-time member of the Tremendous 13 stayed in for third down, but then did not return.
Evangel’s Peyton Houston (1), with his right arm in a sling, watches as teammate Briggs Berlin (7) warm up for the second half of the Eagles’ game against Cornerstone Christian on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, at Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport, La.
By JILL PICKETT | Staff photographer
Evangel took a 10-0 lead with a 30-yard field goal on fourth down. Houston remained on the sideline with his right arm in a sling.
“I just have to get in the recovery room, rehab and get back on the field,” he said.
Cornerstone (6-2) entered the game as the No. 20 overall team in Texas according to MaxPreps.
Houston completed 8 of 11 passes for 96 yards and a touchdown Friday, and extended his 100-yard rushing streak to seven games with 103 yards on nine carries in just 18 minutes of action.
Cornerstone scored twice before halftime to take a four-point lead and eventually won, 49-23.
‘I thought we were going to see one for the ages,” Evangel head coach Denny Duron said. “These kids were playing hard on both sides of the ball. We were right there.
“Pop comes off holding the right shoulder — he’s linebacker tough, so I knew it was an injury. We’re anxious to find out the extent of it.”
Freshman Briggs Berlin, son of former Evangel superstar Brock Berlin, finished the game at quarterback for the Eagles.
The big plays didn’t stop following Houston’s injury. Briggs Berlin tossed a pair of touchdowns, covering 80 and 79 yards respectfully.
“I would never expect Pop goes down, but I prepare every single day to be the starter,” Briggs Berlin said. “I walk over to get my helmet and I hear my dad (from the press box) praying for me. Pastor Denny was praying for me.
“I was throwing the ball around the sideline, the nerves were going — I was shivering. But then I got in the game and I settled down.”