FIGHTING FOR FANTASTIC FINISH

CLASS 2A ROUNDUP: Coming off best offensive performance of the season, Valley Mills flying high in hopes of second straight playoff berth; Meridian plays host to top-ranked Mart

When it comes to playing in tough districts, Bosque County’s two Class 2A football programs know what that’s all about. For years now, both DI’s Valley Mills Eagles and DII’s Meridian Yellowjackets have been placed in some of the toughest districts the state has to offer. And the 2024-26 UIL realignment last February proved to be no exception.

With that being said, both teams have struggled to stay in postseason contention year in and year out. Even though Valley Mills remains in control of its own playoff destiny, the Eagles face must-win situations in their last two games of the regular season. And before it’s all said and done, Valley Mills probably needs a few other results to fall their way to clinch its second straight trip to the postseason.

“We are at the point where every game is a must win for us,” Valley Mills head coach Bob Featherston said. “I think we have the team to get into the playoffs, but we have to be able to win some close games. I think the teams left are all pretty even, and whoever makes less mistakes can win.”

Playing two more district games with an open week in between, the Eagles (1-3 in district, 2-6 overall) will hit the road to take on the Dawson Bulldogs (2-1, 3-4) at 7 p.m. Friday. Dawson will be coming off an open week after knocking off Itasca, 27-6, two weeks ago.

“Dawson is a very solid team, with strong offensive and defensive lines and a good running quarterback,” Featherston said. “To beat them, you’re gonna have to battle for 48 minutes. Nothing comes easy, and they know how to compete and win.”

In the middle of a challenging three-game stretch of the District 10-2A, Division II schedule, the Meridian Yellowjackets find themselves taking the field against some of the best teams the state has to offer while looking for its first playoff berth since 2017.

And it doesn’t get any easier this week as the Jackets (1-3, 1-6) will host the Class 2A, DII’s top-ranked perennial powerhouse Mart Panthers (4-0, 6-1) at 7 p.m. Friday at Jacket Stadium. The Panthers will be coming off a resounding 82-0 victory over Hubbard last week.

“Mart is one of the best in the state,” Meridian head coach Jim Kerbow said. “We are going to have to play fast and minimize our mistakes if we want to be in the ball game.”

VALLEY MILLS 62, ITASCA 33

Facing a must-win situation to keep their hopes of returning to the Class 2A, DI playoffs alive, the Valley Mills Eagles made a definitive statement that they remain a team to be reckoned with in District 7-2A, DI with a wild and resounding 62-33 home victory over the Itasca Wampus Cats last Friday night.

Valley Mills junior running back Jasean Johnson broke loose for six touchdowns while running wild for 335 yards as the Eagles shook off a slow start to overwhelm Itasca (1-2, 3-4).

Trailing 21-14 early in the second quarter, the Eagles responded by scoring 28 unanswered points to take control of the game as junior Andrew Rodriguez scored on a 90-yard kickoff return to ignite the rally.

“We had a big momentum shift with the kickoff return for a touchdown followed by an interception, which led to another score,” Featherston said. “Then, we picked up an onside kick and scored. They were very athletic, but we were able to make plays when it counted.”

Following an interception, the Eagles struck when sophomore quarterback Blayne Griner hit junior Jacob Garcia for a 63-yard touchdown strike to give Valley Mills its first lead of the game. Then after an onside kick, Johnson cashed in with a nine-yard touchdown run to give the Eagles a 34-21 lead at halftime.

In addition to Johnson’s big night, Griner completed four of four passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with Rodriguez for a 35-yard scoring strike in the third quarter. The Eagles finished with 480 yards of total offense.

“Our offense had its best night of the year,” Featherston said. “They couldn’t stop the running game. We scored every possession except the last one, when we kneeled it out.”

The Valley Mills offensive unit picked up right where it left off in the second half, but Itasca managed to exchange scores in the third quarter to stay within striking distance. But the Eagle defense stepped up to shut the Wampus Cats down in the fourth as Johnson ripped off two more touchdown runs to put the game away.

“Defensively, we still struggled with tackling good athletes,” Featherston said. “We need a lot of improvement still on tackling low and taking correct angles. In the end, we did make some big plays to help get the win.”

WORTHAM 70, MERIDIAN 14

Despite a never-say-die attitude, the Meridian Yellowjackets could not overcome a rash of turnovers as the Wortham Bulldogs pounced on the Jackets, 70-14, last Friday night at Wortham ISD Bulldog Stadium.

With Meridian playing on the road, Wortham (2-2, 4-3) capitalized on Jacket turnovers to build an commanding first quarter lead. Despite falling behind early, Meridian battled back in the second quarter. But the Bulldogs took control after halftime and the game got away from the Jackets in the second half.

“We really dug ourselves a hole with turnovers Friday night,” Kerbow said. “And we could never really dig our way out.”

Despite limited opportunities, the Jackets managed to collect 162 yards of total offense. Offensive Player of the Game sophomore Ricky Shank led the Jackets with 52 yards rushing on 10 carries with a touchdown, senior Matty Jones completed 11 of 18 passes for 94 yards but suffered three interceptions, while senior Ian Gomez caught four passes for 60 yards and a score.

“Offensively we moved the ball at times,” Kerbow said. “But the turnovers keep us from getting into a groove on offense.”

While the Meridian offensive unit struggled to hold onto the ball, the Bulldogs basically scored at will. Junior Gunnar Chandler, senior Bradley Kihnel and junior Isaac Lira led the Jacket defense with three tackles each. Defensive Player of the Game sophomore Ezekiel Mabry collected two tackles and three assists, as well as junior Christian Whitmer with two tackles and two assists, while sophomore Guillermo Ortiz and sophomore Wayland Sheppard each grabbed an interception.

“Defensively we could not dig in and stop Wortham’s offense,” Kerbow said. “Without a doubt, multiple turnovers Friday night were the turning point in the game.” Junior Garrett Pope was named the Special Teams Player of the Week, while Chandler drew the Practice Player of the Week honors.