SEEKING FIGHTING CHANCE

With three District 10-2A, DII top dogs behind them, Meridian Yellowjackets look for first district win, hosting winless Hubbard Jaguars under the Friday night lights

It all begins with finding a way to post the elusive first District 10-2A, Division II victory. Even after losing three straight games opening district play against the top dogs, the Meridian Yellowjackets head into the final four weeks of the 2023 Texas high school football season with their postseason hopes still alive.

But after being dealt an overwhelming 63-0 loss on the road against the Dawson Bulldogs last Friday night, the Jackets have little room for error in their final three regular season games.

“We were disappointed with the outcome Friday night,” Meridian football head coach Jim Kerbow said. “But we still have a shot at making the playoffs, if we can win the next three.”

Facing a must-win situation this week, the Jackets (0-3 in district, 1-6 overall) continue District 10-2A, DII competition by hosting the Hubbard Jaguars (0-2, 0-6) at 7 p.m. Friday at Jacket Stadium. In last season’s matchup in Hubbard, the Jaguars prevailed, 37-10.

Coming off an open week, the Jaguars have lost their first two district games by a combined score of 120-0 to Dawson (2-0, 5-1) and the Wortham Bulldogs (2-1, 5-2). Similarly, Meridian has fallen to Dawson and Wortham, as well as the Class 2A, DII’s second-ranked and undefeated Mart Panthers (3-0, 7-0).

“Hubbard has some size,” Kerbow said. “But once again, the opportunity to get a win presents itself. We will continue to work on the areas where we are struggling to get better.”

Struggling mightily against Dawson, the Jackets offense went three and out on their first three possessions and quickly found themselves trailing 20-0. Despite a strong effort from senior running back Brayden Wehmeyer with 106 yards rushing on 19 carries, the Bulldogs limited Meridian to 98 yards of total offense while forcing three Jacket turnovers.

“We had success running the football Friday night,” Kerbow said. “But again, costly penalties and turnovers stalled most of our drives.”

In the meantime, the Jackets defense had no answer for the Bulldog attack, giving up a 42-yard scoring strike on their first possession, a 79-yard run on Dawson’s second possession, then the combination of a 57-yard run and a touchdown pass on the third attempt.

Led by sophomore quarterback Brant Boatright, Dawson finished with 467 yards of total offense. Boatright completed seven of 10 passes for 190 yards, connecting with three different receivers on scoring strikes. Balancing the offensive attack, senior running back Colby Springer scored four touchdowns while rushing for 195 yards on only seven carries.

“Dawson’s offense got out on us fast, and it snowballed,” Kerbow said. “Missed tackles seem to be our Achilles heel.”

Freshman Josh Nunez led Meridian with eight tackles, followed by junior Alex Rodriguez and senior John Wyatt with seven tackles each and sophomore Garrett Pope with four.