Tigers put away Crockett Cougars 49 to 7

Dripping Springs traveled to Austin to finish out their regular season with the Crockett Cougars at Burger Center. They got a lot of practice for a lot of things that might be ahead in the playoffs as they were able to put away the Cougars 49-7. They were a little sluggish in the early going and general overall enthusiasm for the game seemed to be missing. First of all it was played on a Thursday night, which throws a team out of it's regular routine and that affects you more than one would think. Also, it was easy to expect another easy game like so many others in district. A fresh norther was blowing and the second half would be played in blowing mist, plus it was called with 1.10 remaining because of impending weather that hit a few minutes after leaving the field. However, much credit should be given to Crockett. They had an almost improbable chance at the playoffs but they still came out and gave an outstanding effort for the entire game. No running clock in this game.

Crockett took the opening kickoff and a mistake by the returner in bringing a ball out of the endzone gave them the ball at the eight. Even so, they moved the ball to the 43 in nine plays before punting. The 27-yard punt was returned 27 yards by Lane Dominey to return it to the 43. Tanner Prewit hit Parker Alford for a quick 12, then runs by Jacob Cox would get it to the one and Prewit would take it in. Cameron Chapman made it 7-0. Hunter Northrup was the recipient of an interception while on his back as the ball came to him to stop the next drive.

Crockett held and Cameron O'Banan punted out of bounds at the four. Undaunted, the Cougars used sleight of hand sweeps to push the ball upfield. After getting it to the Tigers 49, the Cougar back broke loose and outran the Tigers to even the game 7-7 on the second play of the second quarter. That seemed to wake the slumbering Tigers and got their attention. They would score on the next five possessions to make the score 42-7 at the half.

A 28 KOR by Ty Kaatz set the Tigers up for the first. A 14 run by Prewit and a 24 pass from Prewit to Enzo Arnold set up the 6 TD run by Alford. 14-7. Next, a 65 drive in three. Prewit runs of 20 and 19, then a Prewit to Arnold pass of 26. 21-7. An interception by Cole Cavender put the ball 45 away. Again three plays. Incomplete pass, 23 Prewit to Arnold and Prewit to O'Banan for the final 22. 28-7. Prewit would climax the next drive with a 21 run. 35-7. Finally with eight seconds remaining in the half the Prewit to O'Banan combo hooked up for 12 for the 42-7 lead.

The heavy mist played havoc with ball-handling as the game progressed. It was if the old pigskin was greased as it would squirt from one set of hands to another. One DS back fumbled as he dived into the endzone and before Crockett had retrieved it, it would be back on the 12. One TD run was called back for a penalty and a 41 FG was attempted but went wide left. Andre Perry gave the Tigers one last chance with a fumble recovery at the Crockett 33. Jackson Simon would power it in from the one and Jake Schneider kicked the PAT for the final points as the officials called the game and all spectators were urged to get to their cars.

Now for the surprise of the week. The Tigers were prepared to host Georgetown in the Bi-district game until an unexpected development. LBJ upset Seguin in OT 35-28. This gave DS a share of the title and the point differential made the Tigers the No. 1 seed. The result changed the opponent to the Manor Mustangs. Kickoff will be 7:00pm Friday.

Game stats (DS first): First downs: 22-15. Rushing: 34-257, 43-206. Passing: 145-48. Passes: 12-18-0, 4-13-2. Punts: 2-46, 4-28. Penalties: 5-40, 5-26. Fumbles lost: 1-4, 1-1.

DS stats: Rushing: Prewit 6-96 2TD; J. Cox 8-54; Curtis Cox 7-45; Simon 5-28 TD; Scotty Crosby 3-21; Zach Tjelmeland 1-11; Alford 1-6 TD; Brock Bolinger 2-5. Passing: Prewit 9-15-122 3TD; Tjelmeland 2-2-13; O'Banan 1-1-10. Receiving: Arnold 4-78 TD; O'Banan 2-34 2TD; Alford 2-10; PJ Howe 2-13; Ryan Davenport 1-10; Bolinger 1-0. PR: Dominey 3-49. KOR: Kaatz 1-26. Int: Cavender, Northrup. FR: Perry.