DISTRICT RACES TAKE OFF

CLASS 1A SIX-MAN ROUNDUP: Resurgent Cranfills Gap Lions, rebuilt Iredell Dragons post big opening victories, Kopperl wins tune-up

With district competition under way for Bosque County six-man squads, the Cranfills Gap Lions and the Iredell Dragons posted impressive wins to position themselves to make a run at postseason berths in their respective races.

In the meantime, the surprising Kopperl Eagles notched their fifth win of the season in the final non-district tune-up to hold the best win-loss record in the county.

IREDELL 60, MORGAN 15

Junior Gavin Vara rushed for three touchdowns and threw for three more as the Iredell Dragons opened District 12-1A, DII play with an impressive 60-15 road victory over the Bosque County rival Morgan Eagles last Friday night at John Bryant Field.

“It was a solid win for us in our district opener,” Iredell head coach Luis Guereca said. “We had a good start, which gave us momentum the rest of the way. There were a few mistakes here and there, but our guys were able to make up for it. We can now carry this momentum into this short week we have against Bluff Dale.”

Vara led the Dragons with 225 yards rushing while completing two of three passes for 38 yards, both going for scores. Senior Adan Aguilar-Diaz caught a 30-yard scoring strike, while junior Kaden Vick scored on a five-yard pass.

“It was very important to limit mistakes and get a good start,” Guereca said. “We were able to do that with a couple of quick scores. Gavin was able to lead the way with some good blocking by our team. Overall, we are starting to hit our stride a little going into a big game this week.”

Defensively, junior Braxton McCameron led Iredell with 11 tackles, followed by Vick with nine as well as junior Aaron Aguilar-Diaz and senior Kyle Woody with seven each.

“Another great week for the defense, only giving up two scores in the last two games,” Guereca said. “Each game we play, we can see the improvement as the game is happening. It is great to see the commitment to the team defense, which is so important to winning games.”

This week, Iredell (1-0 in district, 4-3 overall) hits the road for the second straight game to take on the 17th-ranked Bluff Dale Bobcats (1-0, 6-1) at 7 p.m. Thursday at Bobcat Field.

“After two great wins, we now have to prepare for a big challenge in Bluff Dale,” Guereca said. “They do some good things and have won a lot of games. I do believe our guys will be ready to take on that challenge. We look forward to a good week of practice and giving us an opportunity to win.”

CRANFILLS GAP 45, PRIDDY 0

With Cranfills Gap putting a complete game together for the home crowd, the Lions devoured the Priddy Pirates, 45-0, their District 14-1A, DII opener last Friday night.

“I’m really proud of the way our guys came out and played a complete game in front of the home crowd,” Cranfills Gap first-year head coach Cason Cox said. “From start to finish, we executed well, stayed focused and played with a lot of energy. It was great to see all three phases – offense, defense, and special teams – come together for a big 45-0 win.”

Junior Diego Rodriguez ran for four touchdowns and 100 yards, while senior Jake Cox scored two touchdowns and threw for another as the Lions (1-0 in district, 3-4 overall) made quick work of Priddy (0-1, 1-5) by virtue of the 45-point mercy rule.

“Offensively, we did a great job of spreading the ball around and keeping Priddy off balance,” Cox said. “The line blocked well, our backs ran hard, and our quarterbacks made smart decisions. It was one of our most consistent performances of the season.”

Rodriguez led the Lions with seven tackles, while freshman Tyler Crow pulled down an interception and collected three tackles, along with Cox, freshman Jaxon Davis and junior Sebastian Rodriguez with three each as well.

“Defensively, I couldn’t ask for much more,” Cox said. “The guys were flying to the ball, tackling well, and staying disciplined. Pitching a shutout is always a big accomplishment, and that just shows how locked in our defense was all night.”

This week, Cranfills Gap will face the defending district champions and 12th-ranked Oglesby Tigers (1-0, 5-1) at 7 p.m. Friday at Tiger Stadium. The Tigers collected a forfeit win over the Mullin Bulldogs last Friday.

“Oglesby is going to be a big challenge,” Cox said. “They’re physical, fast, and one of the best teams in the state. We know we’ll have to be at our best Friday night, but we’re preparing hard and looking forward to the opportunity to compete.

“Overall, I’m just proud of how this team is growing. The players have continued to buy in and trust each other. We’re improving each week, and the energy and effort they bring to practice is really starting to show on the field.”

KOPPERL 68, HILL COUNTY 51

Wrapping up their non-district schedule before opening District 12-1A, DII play this week, the Kopperl Eagles outscored the Hill County Wolves, 68-51, last Thursday night at Trojan Stadium in West.

Overcoming six turnovers, Kopperl junior Junior Vega ran for six touchdown and threw for two more to lead the Eagles (5-1).

“We turned the ball over six times in the first half and played from behind all night trailing by four points going into the fourth quarter,” Kopperl head coach Lonnie Flippen said. “We scored 21 points in the fourth quarter to pull out the win.

“We had every opportunity to hang our head and give up. But these guys kept fighting, and it all paid off in the final score.”

Vega finished with 228 yards rushing while competing eight of 12 passes for 157 yards, connecting with junior Kaden Watts on two scoring strikes.

Defensively, senior Bearon Brinkley led the Eagles with nine tackles and fumble recovery, while Vega and Watts collected nine tackles as well, followed by junior Jayden Eilers with seven takedowns and two interceptions.

“We will have to play better defense in our next four games,” said Flippen as Kopperl hits the road to face the Three Way Braves at 7 p.m. this Friday. “We can’t afford to give up 51 points to any of the district teams and expect to win.

“These guys just won’t accept defeat without a fight. They play with a lot of pride.”