Army and Louisiana Tech to face off in Independence Bowl

At the 2023 Independence Bowl, Texas Tech defeated
California by the score of 34-14.

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA (December 23, 2024) The Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl will feature Army and Louisiana Tech in a Saturday night, December 28 showdown at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. C T, with action being broadcast on ESPN and on the American Forces Network.

This game marks Army’s first return to the Independence Bowl since 1996, while Louisiana Tech has the home-field advantage, with Shreveport only a short 69-mile drive from its campus. Army leads the all-time series between these two teams 2-0, with their last matchup in 2013 ending in a 35-16 victory for the Black Knights.

Army (11-2) is aiming to secure one of its best seasons ever. With 12 wins on the line, the Black Knights are motivated to end on a high note. However, they’ll be missing running back Kanye Udoh, who transferred to Arizona State after their recent loss to Navy. The team will need to find someone to step up alongside senior quarterback Bryson Daily.

Head coach Jeff Monken has done a remarkable job leading Army, posting a solid 81-57 record during his tenure. While his name often comes up for other coaching jobs, he remains a strong presence at West Point.

Louisiana Tech (5-7) is making the most of an unexpected chance to play in the Independence Bowl. The Bulldogs weren’t bowl-eligible this year but got the call after Marshall pulled out of the game. For head coach Sonny Cumbie, now in his third season, this game provides valuable extra time to develop his program.

The Bulldogs are coming off a dominant 33-0 win over Kennesaw State and hope to carry that momentum into Saturday. While Louisiana Tech’s rebuilding process has been slow, the team is showing signs of progress after two straight three-win seasons.

Army’s disciplined, run-heavy offense will clash with Louisiana Tech’s eager underdogs. For both teams, this game is about more than just winning. For Army, it’s a chance to make history. For Louisiana Tech, it’s an opportunity to take another step forward.

North Crowley captures state title with 50-21 win over Westlake

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

ARLINGTON, TEXAS (December 21, 2024) The North Crowley Panthers won their first state football title by downing the Westlake Chaparrals 50-21 to capture the UIL Class 6A Division I championship

at AT&T Stadium.

The Panthers started strong, scoring a touchdown early in the first quarter. Quarterback Chris Jimerson connected with wide receiver Quentin Gibson for a 75-yard touchdown pass, putting North Crowley ahead 7-0. Westlake responded later in the quarter with a touchdown, tying the game at 7-7. However, North Crowley regained the lead before the end of the first quarter, finishing the period up 14-7.

In the second quarter, the Panthers' defense held Westlake scoreless while their offense added another 14 points, bringing the halftime score to 28-7 in favor of North Crowley. The third quarter saw both teams scoring, but North Crowley extended their lead by adding 15 points compared to Westlake's 7, making it 43-14. In the final quarter, each team scored a touchdown, resulting in a final score of 50-21.

This victory highlights North Crowley's strong performance on both offense and defense, showcasing their readiness as they advance further into the playoffs. The Panthers' ability to execute big plays, like the 75-yard touchdown pass, and their defensive efforts to limit Westlake's scoring opportunities were key factors in their win.

Vandegrift wins first state football championship with 24-17 victory over Southlake Carroll

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

ARLINGTON, TEXAS (December 21, 2024) The Vandegrift Vipers made history Saturday, winning their first-ever football state championship by defeating Southlake Carroll 24-17 in the UIL Class 6A Division II title game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

The Vipers, now 15-1, played as a team all season, and Saturday was no different. Head coach Drew Sanders, who has led the program since its start 14 years ago, praised the team’s unity.

“These guys aren’t flashy, but they love each other,” Sanders said. “Every challenge they faced this year, they just said yes.”

Southlake Carroll (15-1) took an early lead with a 9-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Angelo Renda to Brody Knowles. But Vandegrift answered quickly. Junior quarterback Miles Teodecki launched an 84-yard touchdown pass to George Farley to tie the game. Teodecki, named the game’s offensive MVP, completed 14 of 17 passes for 248 yards and two touchdowns.

Senior running back Brendan Fournier took over from there, scoring two touchdowns before halftime. He ran in a 2-yard score and caught a 10-yard touchdown pass from Teodecki with just 14 seconds left in the second quarter. Fournier rushed for 160 yards on 28 carries and added 27 receiving yards.

The Vipers’ defense shut down Southlake Carroll’s running game, allowing just 53 rushing yards on 17 carries. Senior linebacker Scott Buchanan earned defensive MVP honors with seven tackles, a fumble recovery, and two pass breakups.

Despite a fourth-quarter rally by the Dragons, Vandegrift held strong. Adam Scott led the team with nine tackles and a forced fumble, while Matthew Draeken and Jack Huerkamp each grabbed key interceptions.

“This means so much to us and all the players who came before us,” said Scott. “We got it done, but we’re standing on the work they started.”

The Vipers’ only loss this season came early against Cedar Park in Week 2, but they finished strong to claim the school’s first state football championship.

For the Dragons, Renda threw for 351 yards and two touchdowns but also had two interceptions. Receiver Brock Boyd stood out with 13 catches for 178 yards and a touchdown.

Smithson Valley wins Texas 5A Division 1 state championship

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

ARLINGTON, TEXAS (December 21, 2024) Smithson Valley made history on Saturday, beating Highland Park 32-20 in the Texas 5A Division 1 state championship at AT&T Stadium. Junior kicker Trent Amaya was the star of the game, tying a UIL state record by making four field goals.

Amaya showed his skills early, nailing field goals from 27 and 35 yards in the first quarter. He followed up with a 24-yarder in the second quarter and a 30-yarder in the third. While he missed a fifth attempt in the final quarter, his contributions kept the Rangers ahead throughout the game.

Quarterback Cade Spradling was another key player for Smithson Valley. He rushed for 147 yards and scored two touchdowns. In the second quarter, he connected with Brody Day on a 24-yard touchdown pass. Then, with just 3:39 left in the fourth quarter, Spradling ran for a 4-yard touchdown to seal the victory.

Running back Brad Sowersby also had a strong performance, leading the game with 152 rushing yards on 22 carries. On defense, Julian Colunga made a big play, returning an interception 23 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter.

For Highland Park, quarterback Buck Randall had an impressive game, throwing for 316 yards and two touchdowns. He connected with Benton Owens for a 73-yard touchdown and Cannon Bozman for a 49-yard score. But it wasn’t enough to overcome Smithson Valley's balanced attack.

The win capped off a great season for Smithson Valley, finishing with a 14-2 record and bringing home the state title.

Westlake dominates North Shore to advance to state finals

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

KATY, TEXAS (December 14, 2024)   In a highly anticipated matchup, the Westlake Chaparrals defeated the North Shore Mustangs 28-10 in the Texas high school football semifinals on Saturday. With over 5,000 fans in attendance, the game showcased intense action from the first kickoff to the final whistle.

North Shore started strong, putting the first points on the board with a 25-yard field goal by Daniel Cruz Sanchez midway through the first quarter. But Westlake quickly responded. Elijah Clark broke free for a 49-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful extra point from Nolan Bartley, giving Westlake a 7-3 lead.

Westlake took control late in the first quarter. Rees Wise connected with Evan Kolander for a 31-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 14-3. Their dominance continued into the second quarter as Wise found another receiver in the end zone, pushing the score to 21-3.

North Shore tried to rally late in the first half. Quarterback Kaleb Bailey threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Quanell Farrahkan Jr., narrowing the gap to 21-10 before halftime.

Westlake's defense shut down North Shore in the second half, forcing turnovers and keeping their offense in check. Wise added his third touchdown pass of the game early in the third quarter, a 19-yard strike to Grady Bartlett, putting the game out of reach at 28-10.

Despite moments of promise, North Shore struggled to match Westlake’s consistency. Defensive standouts like Elliott Schaper delivered key sacks, and Westlake's offense capitalized on nearly every opportunity.

The Chaparrals now advance to the Texas state championship, aiming to cap their season with a title. For North Shore, it’s a tough end to a strong season. 

Kilgore downs La Vernia in rainy matchup to advance to state finals

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

NEW CANEY, TEXAS (December 13, 2024) Kilgore High School came out on top with a commanding 38-13 victory over La Vernia in a rainy showdown on Friday night. Despite slippery conditions, Kilgore's offense and defense worked together for an impressive win.

The first quarter started slow, with both teams feeling out the wet field. However, Kilgore quickly found their groove. A fumble recovery on La Vernia’s 8-yard line set up Eddie Jimenez’s 22-yard field goal, putting Kilgore up 3-0. Minutes later, Keion Sanders ran in a 29-yard touchdown to increase the lead to 10-0 by the end of the quarter.

Kilgore’s dominance continued in the second quarter. Quarterback Kayson Brooks connected with Miles Applegate for a 30-yard touchdown pass, making it 17-0. La Vernia finally answered just before halftime with a 1-yard rushing touchdown, narrowing the score to 17-7.

In the second half, Kilgore didn’t let up. Isaiah Watters scored twice on the ground, while Brooks delivered another deep touchdown pass, this time to Devin Tinney for 65 yards. Kilgore’s defense stayed tough, with sacks by Applegate and Dré Sanders and a late-game interception by Jakalen Sheffield.

La Vernia added another rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter, but their two-point conversion attempt failed. Kilgore capped off their night with Watters’ second touchdown and Jimenez’s flawless kicking performance, going 5-for-5 on extra points.

Shiner claims victory over Bremond in thrilling state semifinal

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

CYPRESS,  TEXAS (December 12, 2024) The Shiner Comanches kept their championship dreams alive with a commanding win over the Bremond Tigers in the UIL 2A Division 2 football semifinals on Thursday night. Shiner’s balanced offense and tough defense proved too much for Bremond, as they secured a spot in the state championship game.

Shiner's standout performance was powered by their star running back, who continued his dominant season with multiple touchdowns. The team’s offensive line paved the way for a ground game that kept Bremond's defense on their heels throughout the game. Bremond, known for its own powerful running attack, struggled to gain momentum against Shiner’s disciplined defensive front.

The Comanches showcased their trademark physical style early, jumping out to a first-half lead and never looking back. Bremond managed to close the gap briefly in the third quarter, but Shiner responded with a long touchdown drive to put the game out of reach.

For Bremond, their playoff journey ends after a stellar season marked by a 10-game winning streak heading into the semifinals. Despite the loss, standout performances from running back Terrence Scott and wide receiver Tristan Morehead kept the Tigers competitive against one of the state’s top teams.

Shiner, now boasting a 12-game win streak, advances to face the winner of the other semifinal matchup in the state championship. With their powerful run game and championship pedigree, the Comanches look poised for another title run.