Round Rock Routs Round Rock McNeil
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Updated: September 23, 2024
photos: Steve Thomas
Dragons spoil Mavericks’ Homecoming to Remain Unbeaten
Last year, the Round Rock McNeil Mavericks beat the Round Rock Dragons for the first time since 2009. This year on McNeil’s homecoming, the Dragons got their revenge. In a pivotal District 25-6A showdown, the Dragons dominated the resurgent Mavericks 45-14 and improved to 4-0.
Early in the game, the Mavericks appeared up to the task of competing with Round Rock and taking a major step towards a district title. The game was tied 14-14 at the end of the first quarter, but that was as close as the Mavericks got. From the second quarter onward, the Dragons shut down the Mavericks. Round Rock Head Coach Cody Moore praised his defense for taking McNeil out of their game. “[The Mavericks] live and die by the fade ball. Our corners did a good job of getting in their way and preventing them from getting off the line of scrimmage.
In the first half, the game started out as the competitive showdown everyone expected. McNeil drew first blood when defensive lineman Jacorian Hubbard recovered a fumble and returned it 30 yards for a touchdown. The Dragons immediately responded, however. Defensive back Aiden Walker returned the ensuing kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown to tie the game. On the next Round Rock possession, running back Joaquin Maldonado put the Dragons in front with a nine-yard touchdown run. Receiver Jarell Gary caught an 11-yard touchdown pass to tie the game on the next drive.
In the second quarter, Round Rock receiver Dylan Jaegar caught an eight-yard touchdown pass to put the Dragons in front; and Round Rock never looked back. On the ensuing drive, the Mavericks drove the ball all the way to the Dragons’ three-yard line; but receiver Aden Taylor dropped the screen pass on fourth and goal. Shortly before halftime, receiver Reggie Hurley caught a 17-yard touchdown pass to put Round Rock ahead 28-14.
After a competitive first half, Round Rock put the game out of reach in the third quarter. On the opening drive, quarterback Jack Appl connected with tight end Elijah Ellis for a seven-yard touchdown pass. One bright spot for McNeil was that they blocked the extra-point. Later in the quarter, Aiden Walker returned a punt 42 yards for his second touchdown of the night. Late in the fourth quarter, Round Rock kicker Gibson Granger netted a 33-yard field goal to cap things off.
Next week, the Dragons will return home to Dragon Stadium to host the Round Rock Cedar Ridge Raiders (1-3, 1-1.)
McNeil, meanwhile, will face Round Rock Stony Point (2-2, 1-1) at Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex.
by Steve Thomas
Players Pictured
Round Rock
#1 Aiden Walker
#2 Zavari Whitson
#8 Justin Lee
#9 Elijah Ellis
#23 Joaquin Maldonado
#29 Dylan Jaegar
#73 Ian Camp
Round Rock McNeil
#0 Aden Taylor
#4 Joshua Williams
#8 Marshall Holland
#10 Jadon Sultz
#12 Brody Mansfield
#14 J'Ryan Moore
#18 Olivier Hemming
#42 Jacorian Hubbard
#46 Nwadike Nwosu
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