Smithson Valley Makes Thrilling Return To State
-
Updated: December 16, 2024
photos: Steve Thomas
Smithson Valley Rangers Head Coach Larry Hill knows his team can handle adversity. On Saturday afternoon at McLane Stadium, the Rangers proved that with a dramatic 21-14 win over the Angleton Wildcats in the 5A-D1 semifinals. The win earned the Rangers their second-consecutive trip to Arlington.
Perhaps no one manifested the Rangers’ resilience more than quarterback Cade Spradling. Early in the fourth quarter of the game, the Rangers led 14-0 and appeared to have the game in hand. The Rangers’ offense was moving the ball efficiently, and the defense had shut down the Wildcats offense. Ranger receiver Brody Day scored the game’s first touchdown in the first quarter, and running back Brad Sowersby scored a second in the second quarter. However, with just over nine minutes remaining, the momentum shifted dramatically.
Deep in his own territory, Spradling was sacked and fumbled the ball. Angleton defensive lineman Camdyn Brown scooped up the fumble and returned it for a touchdown. The Wildcats missed the extra point, but the Wildcats’ defense shut down the Rangers’ offense. The offense got the ball back in good field position, and running back Travon Waddy capped off the drive with a one-yard touchdown run. After Angleton scored the two-point conversion and tied the game, things seemed to go from bad to worse for Smithson Valley. Ranger quarterback Ty Knutson threw an interception to cornerback Maurice Hightower, and Angleton took over at their own 47-yard line.
With all of the momentum in Angleton’s favor, Smithson Valley’s defense rose to the occasion. Angleton was driving near midfield, but the Rangers forced a fumble and recovered it at their own 43-yard line. Following the turnover, Spradling got his opportunity to be the hero. Despite nursing a quad injury, Spradling broke free for a 37-yard touchdown keeper. On the ensuing drive, the Rangers’ defense drove the Wildcats backwards and sealed the win.
Next week, the Rangers will face the Highland Park Scots in the 5A-D1 Championship at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The Scots advanced to the state finals with a 24-21 win over Denton Ryan. The game will be Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 11:00am.
by Steve Thomas
Players Pictured
Smithson Valley
#2 Ty Knutson
#12 P.K. Moeller
#15 Phillip Smith
#18 Cade Spradling
#26 Brad Sowersby
#56 Anthony Acosta
#71 Ayden Fulton
Angleton
#2 Jamarcus Shockley
#3 Bryce Duron
#5 J'Shun Sanders
#7 TraeVonne Latimer
#9 Maurice Hightower
#55 Gavin Hebert
#90 Camdyn Brown
Related Posts
You must be logged in to post a comment.