GROOM – The Nazareth Swifts lost their starting quarterback, shuffled players into new positions and still managed to look comfortable in the opening round of the playoffs by using a big second half to roll past Boys Ranch.

After losing starting quarterback Rhett Ethridge to an injury, the Swifts turned to senior Lincoln Pohlmeier, who helped lead Nazareth to a 73-42 victory over Boys Ranch in a UIL Class 1A Division I bi-district clash at Tigers Stadium on Friday.

The Swifts (8-3 overall) overcame multiple lineup changes and a back-and-forth first half before taking control in the second half, outscoring the Roughriders 33-12 in the final 20 minutes.

“This was a complete team win” Nazareth head coach Tyler Goodwin said. “We have two guys go down that are starters at half, and to have some of these young dudes step up, it’s crazy how it happens like that throughout the season and it becomes a big-time moment.”

The Swifts advance to take on Hermleigh (10-1) in a regional semifinal at 7 p.m. Friday on Taylor/Reddell Field in Idalou.

The Roughriders see a historic season come to an end. Following the first unbeaten year in program history at 9-0, a first district championship, Boys Ranch ends this amazing campaign at 9-1.

“We’ve accomplished something that shouldn’t have even been done, you know, working at Boys Ranch and the unique diversity of the school,” Boys Ranch head coach Louis Kelley III said. “This won’t be replicated again.”

The first half was a track meet.

Nazareth wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, as Cameron Pohlmeier opened the scoring with a 10-yard touchdown run.

Boys Ranch answered with a touchdown from senior Jacobe Gonzales, but the Swifts responded with a pair of touchdown passes from Ethridge to Lincoln Pohlmeier, covering 32 and 14 yards, to build a 24-16 advantage.

The Roughriders continued to answer, taking a 30-24 lead on a 45-yard touchdown pass before Nazareth regained momentum with an 80-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by sophomore Copper Farris.

Lincoln Pohlmeier added the two-point kick, and the Swifts eventually carried a 40-30 lead into the second quarter before Boys Ranch trimmed the deficit to 40-36 heading into halftime.

Nazareth came out of the break firing on all cylinders, recovering an onside kick and making sure they capitalized on the opportunity.

With Ethridge sidelined, Lincoln Pohlmeier took over at quarterback and looked great doing it. He connected with Farris for a 31-yard score in the third quarter.

Cole Braker added a 35-yard touchdown run, and Boys Ranch gave one last comeback attempt when Jacobe Gonzales punched in a score from 4 yards out.

Lincoln Pohlmeier followed with a 14-yard rushing score. Lincoln also connected with freshman Quincy Hartman for a three-yard touchdown as Nazareth extended its advantage to 59-42.

Braker put the finishing touches on the victory in the fourth quarter, scoring on runs of seven and 20 yards. He added a successful three-yard conversion to account for the final 73-42 margin.

Braker finished with 102 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 12 carries. Lincoln Pohlmeier added 85 yards and a touchdown on seven carries while completing three of four passes for 89 yards and two touchdowns. Cameron Pohlmeier rushed for 59 yards and a touchdown and added a 40-yard receiving score.

Farris contributed 45 rushing yards, a 31-yard receiving touchdown and the 80-yard kickoff return for a score.

Boys Ranch was led offensively by Gonzales, who rushed for 89 yards and three touchdowns on 11 carries. He also caught two passes for 27 yards. Isaac Acosta completed 12 of 29 passes for 204 yards and a touchdown, while adding two interceptions. Billy Reid completed his only pass attempt for a 21-yard touchdown.

Camden Yarbrough led the Roughriders through the air with seven receptions for 123 yards and a touchdown, including a 45-yard scoring catch. Cord’e Jackson added three catches for 63 yards and a touchdown while rushing for another 47 yards and a score. Jackson also made his presence felt defensively with an interception and two fumble recoveries.

For Goodwin, the victory was a testament to the versatility and chemistry his team has developed throughout the season.

“Just being able to adapt like that, I think that’s one thing that’s so huge about this team, the versatility,” Goodwin said. “Didn’t use injuries as an excuse. Next man up and went and got the win.”

Kelley also emphasized that the lessons his players learned extend beyond the football field.

“We’re always going to be a winner, just teaching them to be a winner in life, not just football,” he said.

Photo gallery by Jamie Gates: