Wellington’s Creighton Killian (12) reaches for a touchdown over a Vega defender during a Class 2A Division II regional semifinals on Friday in Borger. [Provided photo]
It was a very physical battle between two really good football teams, and in the end it was No. 3 Wellington pulling away from Vega 40-20 during a Class 2A Division II regional semifinal Friday night at Bulldogs Stadium in Borger.
Wellington had to find a way in the second quarter when starting quarterback Creighton Killian got knocked out of the contest and would not return. Behind the rotating offensive line of — Jayden Castillo, Sammy McLain, Jordan Nation, Blake Strickland, Rey Ramirez, Antonio Rodriguez, Gavin Wood, Willy Olvera — Wellington was able to chew up 304 of its 333 yards on the ground.
Leading 20-14 at half, and no Killian, head coach Greg Proffitt went to a heavy dose of Marc Ramirez and Mason Folk.
Behind the offensive line, Ramirez was a workhorse carrying the rock 44 times compiling 221 yards on the ground and two touchdowns.
Despite the effort, Vega was hanging trailing 26-20 entering the fourth quarter. That’s when Folk got his hands dirty and finished off the next two Skyrocket drives with short runs to put the game out of reach. Folk finished his night picking up 77 yards and three scores on 18 attempts.
Vega’s quarterback Ryan Grawunder passed for 135 and two touchdowns on only five completions, but was intercepted twice.
Vega finishes its second consecutive season in the regional semifinal, ending this year at 10-3. The Skyrockets (12-0) are back in the state quarterfinal where they will take on the McCamey Badgers (11-1) at 7 p.m Friday night at Lubbock Cooper.
Wellington 40 Vega 20
Vega 7 7 6 — 20
Wellington 8 12 6 14 — 40
Stratford struggles in loss to McCamey
McCamey was able to control the game and the outcome ending Stratford’s season 41-18 in a Class 2A Division II regional semifinal matchup at Todd Field in Shallowater.
Stratford allowed 19 points in the first quarter and were unable to dig themselves out of that hole finishing the half down 19-6.
The lead continued to dwindle as the game went on but the Badgers were able to keep the Elks at arms legnth up 25-12 in the second half. A good portion of the McCamey offense came from running back, Mathew Rosas, who finished the contest with 11 rushes for 103 yards and two scores. Stratford was able to hold McCamey to only 320 yards, but with three turnovers the Elks comeback hopes were dim. McCamey’s defense was impressive allowing Trevor Bell to 57 yards and a score on 15 carries.
Stratford ends another solid season at 7-6. The Badgers move to 11-1 and will move on to face Wellington (12-0) in the state quarterfinals at 7 p.m. Friday at Lubbock Cooper.
McCamey 41, Stratford 18
McCamey 19 6 16 — 41
Stratford 6 12 — 18
Post pummels Panhandle
Post quarterback Slayden Pittman (5) looks for running room against Panhandle at Lubbock-Cooper on Friday. [Emily Jones/ For Press Pass Sports]
Post beat Panhandle in every which way during a 68-0 thumping in a Class 2A Division I regional semifinal at Lubbock-Cooper on Friday.
Panhandle had been known for its scoring all season long but the Bold Gold defense was flat relentless, making 40 tackles for a loss in the game. Post completely took the Panthers out of the game, holding Panhandle to a season-low 42 yards of total offense on the night, and two turnovers.
The Antelopes offense was on another level as well. Before the end of the first quarter, Post running back Ashton Jefferson had already found the end zone four times. He finished his night with 146 yards and four scores on 18 carries. As impressive as he was, Antelope QB, Slayden Pittman had himself a game racking up 156 yards on the ground and a score as well as passing for 51 yards and another score.
Panhandle ends a good year at 10-3. Post stays unbeaten at 13-0, and will head to the state quarterfinals to take on Cisco (10-3) at 7 p.m. Friday at the Mustang Bowl in Sweetwater.
Post 68, Panhandle 0
Panhandle —
Post 30 30 8 — 68
