DSHS Tigers claw LTHS Cavaliers in big game

The long-awaited, spirited return to the big rivalry with Lake Travis High School was certainly worth the wait for the Dripping Springs High School Tigers.

The last time the two teams matched up was 2011, after which LT moved up to 6A. 2002 was the last time a Tiger victory was recorded. All of that was ancient history as the Dripping Springs Tigers roared from behind in the final quarter to take an important victory over Lake Travis: 38-31.

This triumph was important on many levels for the Tigers. First, it substantiated the idea that they belong and can play with the “big boys” of 6A. The fact they can perform at top level one game after another means they are ready for what comes in the playoffs. They have top quality talent in all phases of the game and no quit to match all-comers in a deep run.

The main question to be answered for the Tigers with Lake Travis had to be the mental side after the emotional loss to Westlake the week before. This can sometimes be hard to overcome. But, not to worry, this group is solid, and there were no signs of ever having played Westlake.

Both sides depended heavily on the ground attack, which was LTHS' strength. LTHS opened with a 48-yard run score to make it 7-0. Back came the Tigers with a 35-yard field goal by Walker Wright to make it a 7-3 game after one. LTHS hit on a 27-yard pass, only to watch as Austin Novosad hit Kyle Koch for 39 yards to narrow the gap. A 49-yard field goal by LTHS gave Lake Travis a 17-10 lead at the end of the first half.

The second half was more of the same. Jack Tyndall would tie the game with a four-yard run, and after the Tiger defense forced a three and out, Kade Curry climaxed the drive with a one-yard plunge to give DSHS their first lead of the night at 24-17. An 11-yard pass knotted the score at 24 with 51 seconds left in the third quarter. LTHS executed a perfect onside kick and, five plays later, had the lead at 31-24. After an exchange of punts, the Tigers moved the ball 80 yards in two plays to bring the game back to a tie with 4.16 minutes remaining.

The DSHS defense went to work and made LTHS face a fourth and one decision from their own 34-yard line. The Lake Travis coach, believing they would not get the ball back and their running attack could gain the necessary yard to keep the ball, took the chance. They pounded their best back into the line, but the DS defense did not give an inch. The Tigers got the ball on the LTHS 34-yard line. It seemed then that only a field goal would win the game. Instead, Curry covered the distance in six plays, including the final 12 yards with 14 seconds to spare.

Neither team had traditional turnovers, but penalties served the same purpose. Lake Travis had a touchdown called back and a 69-yard kickoff return that went back to the eight-yard line.

Uncharacteristically, the Tigers went to their ground game, showcasing their dominance by the offensive line. Curry was the recipient of their blocking with a careerhigh 181 yards as they punched holes in the armor for backs to run and put up a wall of protection for Novosad to have time to pass. They were the true unsung heroes of the game: #63 Reid Robinson, #76 Brendan Kelly, #54 Jackson Key, #77 Macander Evans and #74 Jacob Ponton.

Friday night, the Tigers will host Del Valle for their final regular season home game. Kickoff is set at 7:30 p.m. The following Friday, DSHS will finish their regular season at historic House Park to play Austin’s Anderson High School. As the top DII seed, the Tigers should have a home playoff game with either Manor High School or Vista Ridge High School.

Game stats (DSHS first): First downs: 2018; Rushing: 39-202, 37229; Passing: 209-131; Passes: 14-21-0, 14-23-0; Punts: 1-38, 4-36.8; Penalties: 2-20, 4-40.

DSHS game results:

Rushing: Curry 32-181 2TD; Tyndall 5-19 TD; Novosad 2-2. Passing: Novosad 14-21-0-2TD. Receiving: Koch 10-146 TD, Duncan 2-44 TD, Boston Papp 1-19, Curry 1-0.

DSHS tackling (unasst/ asst): Derek Edgar 10-5, Nathan Prehar 7-3, Keller Stafford 5-4, Luca Picucci 6-2, Landon Requard 3-5, Elijah Gonzales 3-4, Bryson Amrine 3-3, Gunnar Betts 3-2, Greyson Jones 2-3, Braiden Vaughn 2-1, Tomsen Vickery 2-0, Raphael Siewen 0-4, JD Casteen 1-0, Rio Hay 0-1.