Week 1 Featured Game Summaries
Cameron vs. La Vega - In Week 1, The Cameron Yoemen proved they are a force to be reckoned with on the Central Texas HS football scene. Tied at 22 with La Vega in the 4th quarter, the Yoemen took the lead for good on a gutsy 4th down play.  Well within field goal range, Coach Rick Rhoades opted to go for it on 4th & 5 from the La Vega 15-yard line.  QB Rhoades threw a perfect touch pass to the left side of the end zone, where only Westbrook could catch it, and he did, making a one-handed grab to put the Yoemen in the lead.  A Martin Rodriguez extra point gave the Yoemen a 29-22 lead with just over 7 minutes to play.  Rodriguez would extend that lead on the next possesion, nailing a 34-yard field goal, after Sr. Jake Young had recovered a Pirate fumble on the Cameron 47 yard line. Click here for the full story about the Cameron/La Vega game and many more photos from KMIL.com.

Photo by: SuperCentex Correspondent - Greg Moore

Goldthwaite vs. San Saba - Goldthwaite beat the San Saba Armadillos 20-14 in overtime at Rogan Field. The State Champion Eagles were without three injured two-way starters, including all-state players Colton Mitchell and Johnathon Williams. With the game tied at 14-14 late in the 4th quarter San Saba had a chance to take the lead with a first and goal inside the 5 yard line. However a fumbled snap recovered by Goldthwaite's defensive tackle Dylan Parrish prevented the go ahead TD. In over time, Goldthwaite had the ball first and scored in 7 plays. A missed extra point by Goldthwaite's kicker again allowed another opportunity for San Saba to win the game. On third and six Goldthwaite's cornerback Rigo Dela Cruz intercepted a pass by San Saba's qb and sealed the victory. Up next for the Eagles is 2A Callisburg, who were State Semi-Finalist last year. Injuries have plagued Goldthwaite as of late, goading some SuperCentex.com members to question the Eagles' abilities going into the coming weeks. Click here to talk the talk about Goldthwaite's recent injury bug in our Online Community under the topic "Goldys  3 headed monster."

(Goldthwaite/San Saba game summary and photo by Greg Moore. See more Goldthwaite photos from Greg Moore at http://www.centexphotos.com.)

Midway vs. Round Rock McNeil - The Midway Panthers fed off the electric atmosphere in the first game played at the newly renovated Panther Stadium. The visiting team, 5A foe Round Rock McNeil, seemed right at home on their opening offensive drive.  McNeil, who threw the ball just seven times in its first game, surprised the stout Midway defense with several passes on the first drive. The McNeil drive was highlighted by a 55 yard pitch and catch from quarterback Josh Lewis to receiver Cooper Lewis that set up a short touchdown run. The near capacity crowd at Panther Stadium foresaw a long night for the Midway defense. That thought was refuted when the Panther defense harassed Lewis in the pocket, and allowed a meager 112 yards on 42 carries on the ground. The Panther offense showed its potential explosiveness when its playmakers can get in open space. The ensuing drive after the early McNeil touchdown, Orion Stewart caught a misdirection bubble screen pass and burst through the Maverick secondary en route to a 46 yard touchdown. Midway was able to spread the love on offense; 11 players carried the ball out of the backfield and seven players caught a pass on the way to a 31-7 dismantling of Round Rock McNeil.

McGregor vs. Crawford - The McGregor Bulldogs, fresh off their late playoff run last year, visited cross-town rival, Crawford, on Friday. The Bulldogs built a 16-0 lead with eleven minutes to go, and had plans to cruise to victory. The Pirates had other reservations. On the ensuing drive after a Bulldog touchdown, Crawford signal-caller Jake Talbert hooked up with receiver Daniel Post for a 67 yard touchdown. In an instant, the dynamic of the game had shifted to Crawford’s advantage. After a special teams mishap committed by the Bulldogs which resulted in a safety, Talbert and company set up shop just shy of midfield, trailing by a touchdown. Crawford marched down the field and Cameron Kendrick put the exclamation point on the drive with a three yard touchdown run. With momentum swinging to the Pirates in full force, Crawford kicked off to McGregor, who gained possession at the 20 yard line. On their first play after the kickoff, Chris Alaman caught a pass and was stripped of the ball. Post, who had already made his mark on this contest, recovered the fumble and returned it for six points. After a missed point-after-attempt by the Pirates, McGregor saw its 16 point lead evaporate into a six point deficit. McGregor moved the ball to the Crawford 15 yard line with under half a minutes remaining, but Crawford safety Jake Talbert intercepted a pass and sealed the fate for the devastated Bulldogs, 22-16.

Robinson vs. Groesbeck - The McGregor Bulldogs were not the only central Texas team to forfeit a big lead; the Robinson Rockets had a similar fate to the Bulldogs. After a sloppy first half of football, which consisted of seven turnovers, Robinson stepped on the gas as the game took shape. The Rockets built a 33-14 lead, with the game all but over. The Goat rally began with a 15 yard touchdown reception by Stephen Ruen. The Groesbeck defense seemingly found another level of intensity, which enabled the offense to get rolling. Matt Barnes and Michael Graves each found the end zone on the ground in the fourth quarter to snatch the lead from Robinson. The Rockets, down but not out, fought back and regained the lead on a passionate 28 yard touchdown run by Stephen Mitchell. With both defenses worn down, Michael Graves was the true beneficiary. Graves caught a flare pass and scampered 72 yards to the end zone to solidify the 20 point comeback, 43-40.

Belton vs. Austin High - Belton traveled south to take on Austin High on Friday. While both team’s defenses were seemingly left on the bus, the offenses came more than ready to put on a show. David Ash, the prolific passer for Belton, did not disappoint. Ash accounted for eight of the nine touchdowns scored by the Tigers, and broke three school records in the process. Ash was tremendously efficient through the air, despite throwing over 40 passes. He finished the night with an astonishing stat line; he completed 30 of 41 passes for 450 yards. Unfortunately for he and his teammates, the tremendous effort was all for naught. Belton snagged a 63-56 lead with little time remaining, but the Maroons of Austin High would not be denied. Austin High quarterback Jordan Jaquez got into the end zone from a few yards out as time expired to send the game to an extra frame. Austin High was able to kick the game-winning field goal in overtime to win the game. The Maroons capitalized on the unforced errors committed by Belton. The Tigers were penalized 20 times for 212 yards. Belton has no time to fret; they play host to the 2-0 Midway Panthers this Friday.

China Spring vs. Glen Rose - After being dismantled in week 1, the China Spring Cougars hit the gridiron against Glen Rose on Friday. After struggling to find an apt replacement for last year’s star Brian Bell in their first game, the Cougars found the answers in game two. Bell’s replacement, Collin Wood, cleaned up his act in his second start under center. He managed the game well, and his night was highlighted when he found receiver Dylan Dumas for a 55 yard pitch and catch for a touchdown. The dual-running back system of Michael Armstrong and Michael Martin was also very successful; both backs shredded the Glen Rose defense early and often. The final score was 17-7, in China Spring’s favor.

Cover Photo and Cameron La Vega summary courtesy of:
KMIL THE RANCH 105.1 AND KMIL.COM