All undefeated teams have their night of downfall, but this was not that night for the Texas Tigers. They saw decisive success against the Whitehouse Wildcats, with a final score of 51-21. This improves the Tiger’s record to 10-0, securing their win as district champions.

“I think we just played our best game that we had played to this point,” Head Coach Gerry Stanford said. “This has been a goal for us all year to be district champions and we’ve been able to do it tonight. I’m very proud of these kids.”

As Friday night lights shone bright on the field, Blake Rogers received the kickoff for Texas High. After being taken down the field by Guy Johnson and Rian Cellers, the Tigers were within range. Wide receiver Tre Roberts caught and ran the ball for a 34-yard touchdown, giving the Tigers a quick start to the momentum they would see this evening.

“Working hard through practice throughout the week is all it takes,” Roberts said. “The team is [made up of] very talented young men. [As a senior], I’m going to miss it.”

A holding penalty, a characteristic of the aggressive Whitehouse defense, was called, but it couldn’t stop the Tiger offense; Caden Miller caught and ran Brayson McHenry’s pass for a 49-yard touchdown. There were still seven minutes left in the first quarter, and Texas High already boasted two touchdowns. 

Later in the first quarter, the Wildcats closed in on the end zone and were eager to finally score, but these hopes were diminished by an interception from Jackson Halter. Sophomore substitute, Daquarrieon Witcher, then ran a daunting 60-yard touchdown. The first quarter ended with a score of 21-0 in favor of the Tigers.

“I feel good and I’m ready for next week,” Witcher said. “I want to thank my offensive line for blocking and leading me in to get the touchdown, and our receivers for catching the ball.”

As the second quarter began, it seemed aggressive offense was the theme of the night, pass plays dominated the Tiger’s strategy, and certainly to their benefit. Roberts received a 47-yard touchdown, his second so far. 

The defensive line entered the field, eager to impress as the offense had done, but they didn’t have to for long, as Texas High recovered a fortunate fumble. Soon after that, Blake Rogers received a 28-yard touchdown. Impressive was an understatement for the passes Brayson McHenry has made so far.

It was Texas’s turn. Cellers received a pass, falling a few yards short of the end zone. This play set up Brayson McHenry for a speedy 4-yard touchdown at the pylon. The junior was involved in almost every successful play, either passing or scoring himself. 

“God’s definitely blessed us with a great team, and we’re excited but the hard work really starts now,” quarterback Brayson Mchenry said. 

Before long, Jaylen Green recovered a fumble and set Blake Rogers within range of the end zone; a short pass closed this distance and Rogers now had two touchdowns to his name. 

Overall, the first half of the game was heart racing football for Tiger fans, with seven touchdowns all together. This aggressive offense slowed in the second half, and as the Wildcats collected themselves, they managed to finally put up some contest.

Halftime came and went, and the Tigers entered the third quarter in a strong position: 48-0.