Austin Bowie Knocks Off Smithson Valley

By Chris Doelle
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Updated: November 20, 2021

Arlington Bowie vs Smithson Valley 111921 by Steve Thomas

photos: Steve Thomas

Bulldogs Hold on for One-Score Win

For the first time in five years, the Austin Bowie Bulldogs are advancing to the regional round of the UIL 6A Division 1 playoffs. A week after knocking off District 25-6A co-champion Round Rock in the bi-district round, the Bulldogs faced the District 27-6A runner-up Smithson Valley Rangers Friday in the area round. Smithson Valley defeated San Antonio Madison in the bi-district round to advance. Behind a potent running game and several key defensive stops, the Bulldogs held off the Rangers 28-21 Friday night at Bobcat Stadium in San Marcos. Running back Noah Camacho led the Bulldogs’ offense with 201 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Running back Max Barnes rushed for 64yards and a touchdown, and quarterback Grason Foradory also scored a touchdown on the ground. For Smithson Valley, running back Travis McCracken rushed for 38 yards and a touchdown; and receiver Kyler Clarke rushed for nine yards and a touchdown. Center Britt Stolle also recovered a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown.

In the first quarter, Noah Camacho opened the scoring on a ten-yard touchdown run. Bowie defensive lineman Aaron Gall recovered a Smithson Valley fumble at the Ranger 36-yard line on the ensuing drive, but the Bulldogs turned the ball over on downs on the next possession. Following the turnover, running back Malachi Lane broke free for a 50-yard run; and Clarke scored shortly thereafter on a nine-yard option run. Bowie retook the lead on the next drive when Camacho broke free for a 42-yard touchdown run. Shortly before halftime, the Bulldogs extended their lead to 21-7 when Foradory found the end zone on a five-yard keeper.

On the opening drive of the third quarter, Smithson Valley punter Manuel Osorio ran for 21-yards to convert on fourth-and-eleven after the Bowie nearly blocked the punt. The Rangers drove into Bowie territory, but the drive stalled at the Bowie 30-yard line. The resulting punt pinned the Bulldogs back at their own one-yard line. Despite putting together a drive into Ranger territory, the Bulldogs were unable to come away with any points after kicker Jack Nelson missed a 36-yard field goal attempt. Early in the fourth quarter, Smithson Valley quarterback Derek Mata fumbled the ball at the Bowie eight-yard line fighting for extra yards; but the ball rolled into the end zone where center Britt Stolle recovered the ball for a touchdown. On the ensuing Bowie drive, the Bulldogs’ offensive line parted the seas for Max Barnes who ran the ball in for 38-yard touchdown. Smithson Valley responded on their next possession when Travis McCracken scored on a ten-yard touchdown run. Seeking to build off the momentum from the score, the Ranger defense forced a quick three-and-out from Bowie following the touchdown. After starting from their own 36-yard line, the Rangers drove the ball into Bowie territory; but the Bulldogs’ defense held strong and stopped the Rangers on fourth down to take possession 1:59 left. The Bulldogs then forced the Rangers to burn all three of their timeouts and knelt out the clock allowing the celebration to begin.

After the game, the atmosphere on the Bowie sideline was one of jubilation. Players such as Camacho and defensive lineman Kyle Knudson praised the team’s effort and credited team chemistry and resolve for their success. Head coach Jeff Ables, despite being wet from the postgame Gatorade bath, was also laudatory about his team. He complimented the team’s toughness and resolve and credited their success to playing with a chip on their shoulder. Additionally, Ables said that playing in a district with powerhouse teams such as Austin Westlake and Lake Travis provided invaluable experience for the season. With the win, Bowie improves to 10-2 overall. The Bulldogs will next face the winner of San Antonio Brennan and Los Fresnos in the regional round at a time and location to be determined. Smithson Valley finishes the season at 9-3

by Steve Thomas