Nazareth’s Luke Schulte looks for running room against White Deer during a non-district game at Swifts Stadium on Friday. [Cindy Huseman/ For Press Pass Sports]
1. Longhorns claim first win since 2011
The year was 2011, Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe” was sweeping the nation, gas prices were through the roof at $3.53 a gallon, and the Darrouzett Longhorns found what was the last win for their program before a 10 year drought. Darrouzett shut down the football program after the 2011 season, but was reactivated before the 2020 season. The Longhorns went without a win their first season back, but found themselves in the win column with a 69-6 win over Harrold. Regardless of how the rest of the season may go, Darrouzett had to be feeling good to get its first victory in a decade.
2. Claude wins thriller
It was homecoming night in Claude, so the Mustangs decided to throw in some dramatics.
Falling behind early, Claude found itself in a hole going into the second half trialing Amherst, 24-18. The defense stepped up in a big way allowing only one Bulldog score in the second half. The Mustangs hung in, and took the lead for the eventual game-winning score with only 3:24 to play. Claude (3-3) has begun to build its program, and the Mustangs seem to finally be on their way up in the Six-man game.
3. Stay golden
Out of all the Texas Panhandle teams that Press Pass Sports covers, only five sit on the pedestal of undefeated— Childress and Friona from Class 3A, as well as Gruver in Class 2A.
The two remaining unbeaten Six-man teams, Follett and Hedley, come from the same District 1-1A Division II. Both teams will be put to the test as district play begins in Week 7. Will they meet each other with both teams without a loss? Only time will tell.
4. Nazareth continues to build
Make it two weeks in a row the Swifts took on a perennial name in the Texas Panhandle and came away with a hard fought win. Defense has been the name of the game for the Swifts lately and it showed in their 33-24 victory over White Deer Friday night.
Nazareth was able to get the Bucks off the field four straight time on the first four drives.
Quarterback Luke Schulte was a driving force for the Swifts on offense picking up five touchdowns on 27 carries for 197 yards.
5. Welcome back Brad Rainer
After a missing the past three weeks with an illness, McLean head coach Brad Rainer made his return to the sideline on Friday night. We’d like to thank all of our readers, and members of the Texas Panhandle sports family for their encouragement for Rainer and his family during his difficult time. A tip of the cap to coach Rainer. It’s great to have you back, coach.
6. You kidding me?
Six-man is no stranger to high scoring affairs, but even the most experienced fans were shocked to see some of the final scores from these past few weeks. Case and point came Friday.
Strawn came out with a 114-97 marathon win over Covenant Christian. Just a week prior, Covenant took Richland Springs to the wire before taking a 119-112 loss. The total combined score was good for only third place all-time with scores of 247 and 232 coming just ahead of the offensive clinic.