McLean’s Ben Crockett looks to throw against Groom on Friday. [Seth Ritter/ for Press Pass Sports]
White Deer survives
White Deer might have felt the pressure of its No. 1-ranking Dave Campbell’s put on them last week. It was shocking to see them trail to unranked Paducah 14-8 after the first quarter. But the Bucks woke up, relying heavily on their run game and defense to secure the come-from-behind win. Running backs Karson Ketchum and John Perriman combined for 280 yards on the ground, and the defense kept the Dragon offense at bay while forcing three turnovers.
McLean trailed, seriously
Groom hopped out to a fantastic start against the reigning Class 1A Division I champions, scoring two touchdowns in the opening minute to take an early 13-0 lead. It was McLean’s first deficit in a game since its last loss, when Happy beat them in the state quarterfinal in 2017.. McLean eventually woke up, going on a 69-14 run to close out the half. Mclean went on to win the matchup 72-27, extending its Texas Panhandle-best regular season win streak to 17.
Is Valley back?
Valley missed the playoffs for the first time in almost two decades last season. The Patriots have opened 2019 bound and determined to make it back and make a deep push. Coach John Stanaland is in his first season at Valley, but his team is taking to his scheme very well early. Parker Carson continues to be a consistent QB for the Patriot offense going 8 of 15 for 159 yards and 2 touchdowns in a 78-32 win against Claude.. The most impressive part of the offense came from the running game, which ran for 360 yards on the night. The Patriots were led by Jaxon Edwards who ran for 222 yards and scored seven times.
Happy prospers
Happy left Jayton with a loss to Knox City, but the Cowboys were prepared to get their season back on track Thursday in Anton. Happy’s defense shined bright as the Cowboys rolled 52-6. Zach Reyes led the way getting in on 12 tackles including five solos. Reyes found the endzone on a pick-six early in the third quarter.
Nazareth starts slow
The Swifts are already a game behind the rest of the field after their first game of the season was canceled due to lightning. The slow start continued into Ropesville as the Swifts took on the Eagles Friday night. The Swifts did lead 16-14 at halftime, until the Eagles put up 24 points in the third quarter to create some separation. Ropes went on to win, 52-40, but look for the Swifts to find their groove and improve quickly after a 0-1 start.
Player of the Week
In less than three quarters of play, junior running back Kristian Wilhite was able to stockpile 212 yards and five touchdowns for the Cowboys. Wilhite was a consistent force for the Cowboys on Friday night averaging more than 17 yards a carry. Wilhite’s best run of the night came in the third quarter where he found the end zone from 60 yards out. This is a young back that should have eyes on him every week in opponents’ film sessions.
