Tigers defeat scrappy Travis Rebels

For the second week in a row the football game expected for the Dripping Springs Tigers did not materialize in the manner envisioned. This writer thought it would be a walk in the park from the beginning with the second half having the clock running continuously in the second half as last year. Although, the 44-6 victory was never in doubt, the scrappy Travis Rebels put up the good fight that kept the clock moving and possession of the ball enough to make a game of it. It was really a game the Tigers could use in they were able to play their starters for a half and the reserves getting some good experience.

Also, the heir apparent to the QB position this year, Cameron O'Banan, who was knocked out of the job for the first few games due to a hand injury, showed that he was not ready to vacate the throne with a very creditable night of play. His passing was very sharp. Cameron and Preston Alford exchanged positions in the game and no beats were missed. A good problem to have as a coach when you have two quality performers at the QB position.

The Tigers kicked off to start the game and the Rebels moved the chains in three plays. It would be the last time in the half. The yellow flag would severely hamper any success the Tigers would have on the first drive, starting with a 15 penalty on the 31 PR by Andre Perry that had them starting 95 yards away. Another penalty put it back at the three. Alford and Curtis Cox moved the ball down to the 18 before two holding penalties forced a 33FG attempt. Thirteen plays for naught. A three and out allowed Perry to snap off a 27PR to put the Tigers on the Rebel 17. Alford would score from the 12 but holding brought it back. Another holding penalty put it on the 24. On fourth down from that spot O'Banan hit Alford for the first score. Coleman Chapman made it 7-0 with 22 seconds left in the quarter.

The second quarter started much better as Cox blasted in from the two, followed on the next drive with another O'Banan to Alford strike for 11. 21-0. On Travis's next punt, the ball hit an unsuspecting Tiger and a Rebel pounced on it at the 50. Austin Hulon stepped in front of a pass and returned it 50 to the 16. Penalty put it back to the 50. Second play, O'Banan was separated from the ball at the 45. Rebels forced to punt from their 28, but snap went out of the endzone for a safety. A gift the Tigers would take to make it 23-0 at the half.

Second half was turned over to the reserves. They responded well as Tyler Herron scored from the 14 on the first drive. Desi de la Cruz would add the EP. 30-0. A 64 quick kick backed the Tigers to their own two. It forced a punt and a short one set Travis up on the 29 and they were able to get their TD. Kelby Rowe would have a couple of 1TD runs to put the final points on the board.

The 3-1 Tigers will have the week off before coming back to host McCallum for the Dripping Springs homecoming festivities.

Game stats (DS first): First downs: 26-5; Rushing: 53-327, 27-29; Passing: 103-54; Passes: 7-12-0, 7-14-2; Punts: 1-23.0, 7-35.2; Penalties: 8-77, 7-41; Fumbles lost: 1-1, 0-0.

Tiger stats: Rushing: Cox 13-99 1TD; Julian Wright 5-46; Alford 5-44; Hunter Miller 8-42; O'Banan 8-38; Herron 6-37 1TD; Ethan Hooks 3-11; Kelby Rowe 5-11 2TD. Passing: O'Banan 6-9-96 2TD; Wright 1-3-7. Receiving: Shel Hudson 2-38; Alford 2-35 2TD; Ryan Kimball 1-12; PJ Howe 1-10; Hooks 1-7. KOR: Hulon 1-38; PR: Perry 2-36; Int: Hulon 1-31; Garland Hodges 1-0.

DS tackling (unassist/assist): Hunter Northrup 5-1, Sergio Sanchez 4-1, Jakob Joy 2-3, Colby White 1-2, Nic Austin 1-2, Dance 3-0, Hodges 2-0, Keith Teague 2-0, Wes Dube 1-1, Hulon 1-1, Scotty Crosby 1-1, Liam Dahl 0-2, Chance Wiley 1-0, Luke Lawyer 1-0, Pierce Walker 1-0, Landon Garrett 1-0, Jeremy Hack 0-1, Caleb Thompson 0-1, Hunter Pierpoint 0-1.