IRVING - In a game filled with offensive fireworks, it was big play on defense that helped Cedar Hill post a 41-35 victory over Mansfield in their Class 5A Division II Region II semifinal at Texas Stadium on Saturday.

Randall Smith's fourth-quarter interception led to running back Ben Malena's fourth touchdown that gave Cedar Hill a 41-28 lead with 8:18 remaining in the fourth quarter. It was just enough to hold off a team that hadn't won a playoff game until this season.

"We're giving up some yards, but we're coming up with some huge plays [on defense]," Cedar Hill coach Joey McGuire said.

Malena and Stepfan Taylor, Mansfield's workhorse running back who is orally committed to Stanford, didn't disappoint in a matchup of two of the state's best running backs. Malena had 229 total yards (20 rushes for 122 yards and three receptions for 107 yards), and Taylor had 261 total yards (36 carries for 201 yards and three receptions for 60 yards) and all five Mansfield touchdowns.

Mansfield (8-5) trailed, 14-0, before it took its first snap from scrimmage after it had fumbled the kickoff following a 56-yard scoring catch by Malena.

Mansfield took a 28-27 lead early in the fourth quarter when Taylor scored from 35 yards out on a pitch to the left side. Cedar Hill (12-1) regained the lead on its ensuing drive when Malena capped a four-play, 51-yard drive with an 8-yard scoring run. Smith came up with the big interception on the next drive.

Taylor pulled Mansfield to within 41-35 with a 31-yard catch, but Cedar Hill recovered an onside kick that secured the game.