Bastrop Wins Solid Victory Over Pflugerville
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Updated: November 2, 2024
photos: Steve Thomas
Bears beat Panthers to set up District Title game against Liberty Hill.
It was a high-stakes matchup Friday night at the Pfield between the Pflugerville Panthers and the Bastrop Bears. At 6-2 overall and 5-0 in district, the Bears were off to one of their best starts in recent history. A win over the Panthers would set up a de facto district title game next week against the Liberty Hill Panthers.
While a district title for Pflugerville was a long shot, the Panthers still had plenty at stake. The Panthers were also 6-2 overall but 3-2 in district. In addition, the Panthers were in a three-way tie with Elgin and Pflugerville Connally for the district's final two playoff spots. With Elgin and Connally facing each other Friday and Pflugerville facing Connally next week, a win over Bastrop would put Pflugerville in a good position for a playoff berth.
With so much on the line, Bastrop rose to the occasion for a 38-28 victory. The Bears’ defense proved to be too much for the Panthers, and the Bears also took advantage of several mistakes by Pflugerville. The Bears led 31-7 at halftime and withstood a third-quarter Pflugerville rally to seal the win.
In the first half, the Bears were dominant on both sides of the ball. Running back Ladanian Merino scored the opening touchdown on an 11-yard run. Pflugerville quarterback Cole Taylor responded with a one-yard touchdown keeper on the ensuing drive, but it was all Bastrop for the rest of the half. Merino scored a second touchdown on a one-yard run, and kicker Isaac Duggar netted a 30-yard field goal late in the first quarter. Following a blocked punt, Bastrop receiver Jaelyn Gratten caught a five-yard touchdown pass; and quarterback Quintaelyn Joyner scored on a one-yard keeper following defensive back Jayden Riley’s interception.
In the third quarter, Pflugerville reclaimed some of the momentum. On the opening drive, Pflugerville wide receiver Quentin James caught a 51-yard pass which set up running back Rhyder Miller’s one-yard touchdown run. The Panthers’ defense then forced a fumble of their own and recovered the ball in Bastrop territory. The turnover set up Miller for his second touchdown of the game on a three-yard run. That was as close as the Panthers would get, however.
Early in the fourth quarter, receiver Ramonz Adams sealed the game for Bastrop with an 11-yard touchdown catch. Shortly before the end of the game, Cole Taylor connected with receiver Jaivion Martin for a five-yard touchdown pass.
After the game Bastrop Head Coach Jake Griedl praised his team’s performance as well as their resilience to withstand the momentum shift in the third quarter. Griedl also credited his team for the effort they have put in throughout the season on and off the field. Regarding the team’s success and its impact on the community, Griedl said, “This town deserves it.” Next week, the Bears (7-2, 6-0) will host the Liberty Hill Panthers (8-1, 6-0) for the District 11-5A-D2 title.
Pflugerville (6-3, 3-3), meanwhile will face Pflugerville Connally (4-5, 3-3) next week at the Pfield in a potential elimination game for the district’s final playoff spot.
by Steve Thomas
Players Pictured
Bastrop
#5 Jaelyn Gratten
#6 Bryan Pauley
#7 Ladanian Merino
#9 Jayden Riley
#15 Andy McCarus
#51 Ethan Bulak
#55 Tiki Hola
#99 Val Regalado
Pflugerville
#0 Donny Wright
#5 Sonny Davis
#6 Quentin James
#7 Cole Taylor
#11 Kishan Ware
#16 Jaylen Anderson
#24 Rhyder Miller
#77 Keilyn Thompson
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