Stratford running back Brit McQuitty, left, follows his lineman Francisco Ortega (79) for a big chunk of yards against Vega on Friday night at Longhorns Stadium. [Tom Carver/ Press Pass Sports]
Big second half fuels Stratford in win
The No. 4 Stratford Elks passed the first of two crucial district showdowns by taking down the Vega Longhorns 40-19 on Friday night at Longhorns Stadium.
The Elks stay red hot, not only winning their sixth straight game but also moving to 2-0 in District 3-2A Division II and 7-1 overall.
Vega drops to 6-2 overall and 1-1 in district action.
Stratford turned the tides with a dominating second half.
After a nip and tuck first half where the Elks held a tight 20-13 lead, Stratford gave itself some breathing room by outscoring Vega 14-0 in the third quarter, pushing the lead at 34-13.
Stratford was led by junior running back Brit McQuitty who compiled 126 yards on 18 carries. Quarterback Walker McBryde was on point throwing for 210 yards on 11 of 14 passing with three touchdowns.
Vega was doomed by three turnovers in the loss.
Dual-threat quarterback Carson Kirkland was a bright spot totaling 217 yards.
Stratford 40, Vega 19
Stratford 7 13 14 6 — 40
Vega 7 6 6 — 19
Gruver beats up Booker
It was a smooth district opener for Gruver, cruising to a 42-6 victory against Booker on Friday at Kiowas Stadium.
Carter Armes was the story in the win for the Greyhounds. Armes scored two rushing touchdowns, caught a TD pass and threw for another, finishing the game with 226 yards of total offense.
Gruver improves to 5-2 overall and 1-0 in District 3-2A Division II.
Booker struggles continue, dropping to 1-6, 0-2.
Gruver 42, Booker 6
Gruver 28 6 8 — 42
Booker 6 — 6
DISTRICT 1-2A DIVISION I
Sunray cracks win column in thrilling fashion
The game of the night may have to go to Sunray and Boys Ranch.
The Bobcats scratched across a late touchdown when Luis Escapita scored on a 7-yard run with 1:32 remaining to help the Bobcats sneak past the Roughriders for an emotional 46-42 win on Friday night at RoughRider Stadium.
In a battle of two teams in dyer need of a victory, Sunray was able to earn its first win of the year to move to 1-6. More importantly, it puts the Bobcats at 1-1 in District 1-2A Division I, keeping them alive for a playoff spot. Boys Ranch, which gave a valiant effort, remains winless at 0-7, 0-2
In an unexpected shootout, Sunray and Boys Ranch combined for a total of 867 yards in the game.
Sunray quarterback Tate Debord finished the night with 105 yards rushing.
The Bobcats dominated on the ground led by running back Carlos Castellanos who had 122 yards on 21 carries and two scores.
The Roughriders offense was led by do-it-all man Kemaurian Cauthers.
The Senior running back had 319 yards total yards, and found the endzone an impressive 5 times.
Getting him the ball was junior quarterback Caleb Thompson who was 7 of 16 for 192 yards and four touchdowns.
Sunray 46, Boys Ranch 42
Sunray 13 12 15 6 — 46
Boys Ranch 6 16 6 14— 42
Panhandle dominates Hornets
Panhandle was able to put up points in a hurry Friday night on its way to a 69-6 blowout over Highland Park.
The Panthers improved to 2-0 in District 1-2A Division I and 6-1 overall.
Freshman Landon Hack and the Panthers were able to score early and score often against the Hornet defense. Hack, the leading rusher on the night, chewed up 203 yards on only 11 carries averaging just under 20 yards a carry.
Hack also found the endzone three times including a 22-yard touchdown in the first quarter.
Panhandle’s defense limited Highland Park to nine first downs and 183 total yards.
The Hornets are 2-5, 0-1.
Panhandle 69, Highland Park 6
Panhandle 35 20 14 — 69
Highland Park 6 — 6
Comanches blank rival Fritch
West Texas High kept its winning ways by shutting out Sanford-Fritch 52-0 on Friday night at Comanche Stadium.
Wide receiver Jaykob Hernandez did his damage surprisingly on the ground, rushing for 170 yards on only seven carries with an eye-opening five touchdowns.
He also caught a 60-yard TD pass for a six score in the victory.
The Comanches are 5-2 overall and 2-0 in District 1-2A Division II.
The Eagles fall to 1-6, 1-1.
W. Texas High 52, S. Fritch 0
Sanford-Fritch —
W. Texas High 20 26 6 — 52
DISTRICT 5-2A DIVISION II
Wheeler rolls Irish in county rivalry
It was a quick night of work for the Wheeler Mustangs during a 68-2 blowout of rival Shamrock in another installment of the Wheeler County championship.
Running back Hesston Marshall stampeded past the Irish for 202 yards on 10 carries with two scores.
Quarterback Gustavo Andrade threw for 169 yards and four touchdowns.
Wheeler has won five straight games, pushing its record to 6-1 overall and 2-0 in District 5-2A Division II.
Shamrock falls to 2-5, 1-1.
Wheeler 68, Shamrock 2
Shamrock 2 0 0 0 — 2
Wheeler 34 22 6 6 — 68
DISTRICT 5-2A DII NOTES
The No. 7 Wellington Skyrockets downed Munday 50-6. Wellington is 6-1 overall and 2-0 in district.
Quanah routed Memphis, 48-8.