John Matocha stands alone.
The former Magnolia West star and current Colorado School of Mines quarterback broke the record for most career touchdowns accounted for in college football history Saturday.
The record-breaker, No. 179, came on a 55-yard pass to Flynn Schiele with 5:45 remaining in the opening quarter as Mines, a Division II program, took a 28-0 lead over Fort Lewis.
Matocha, who graduated from Magnolia West in 2019, passed former UH star and current Houston Texans quarterback Case Keenum. Keenum shared the record of 178 with former Central College (Iowa) quarterback Blaine Hawkins, who played in Division III.
“What an amazing accomplishment,” said Magnolia ISD athletic director J.D. Berna, who coached Matocha at Magnolia West. “Plan and simple, he is a winner. We are so proud of him and the record he has set. He is truly an amazing player on and off the field. He is a true leader and inspires everyone around him. Magnolia ISD and Magnolia West celebrate his achievements and look forward to his continued success.”
Matocha (5-11, 180), who took over as the Orediggers’ starter as a freshman, had a career record of 46-6 entering Saturday’s game. He has passed for more than 13,000 yards and rushed for nearly 2,000 during his four seasons with the program.
Matocha was the 2022 winner of the Harlon Hill Trophy, handed out to the most valuable football player in Division II each season. He accounted for 5,221 yards and 57 touchdowns last season while leading Mines to a 13-3 record and a trip to the national championship game.
Matocha was a two-time district MVP for Magnolia West. He amassed more than 5,000 passing yards and 1,800 rushing with 81 touchdowns over his final two years of high school. He tallied more than 4,300 yards 53 touchdowns as a senior.
