The Lampasas Middle School eighthgrade “A” team shut out Brownwood 14-0 to finish with a 6-2 record. LMS also allowed zero yards passing.
“The Lions quickly figured out that they couldn't pass the ball on the Badgers’ quick secondary -- backed by Josiah Toeaina, Noah Shahan, Chance Simpson and JT Posten,” coach Donovan Kleckner said.
After numerous pass break-ups and outstanding coverage, Brownwood was forced to keep the ball on the ground.
Even then, “on every play, the only direction they had to go was backwards,” Kleckner said. “Daniel Norton, Brady Renfrew, Ryan Dane and the entire defensive line played assignment football, and [they were] a huge reason for the defensive success.”
Reed Jerome scored on the Badgers’ second drive, reaching the end zone untouched for a 10-yard TD.
On third and 20, Toeania took a short pass from Jerome and turned it into a 50-yard touchdown reception. Toeania also tacked on the extra point, making the final score 14-0.
“Timber Gholson had a great night at receiving, with five catches for 65 yards,” Kleckner said. “Michael Clayton and Zion Parker would add to the receiving stats as well for some nice gainers. Running backs Warren Cole and Raider Morua were a nice one-two punch with big runs and blocks.”
Cole and Morua combined for 75 yards rushing.
On the offensive line, “Kevin Norton, Tucker Jarboe, Bryton Ellis, Cameron Russel, Benni Rodriguez and Kevin Castruita played well, but we would have far too many holding calls,” Kleckner said. “Jarboe did an outstanding job at center.”
The coach mentioned Chance Simpson as another key player.
“We are proud of the dedication and commitment these young athletes have shown,” he said.
The Badgers’ eighth-grade “B” team (6-1) beat Brownwood 13-12.
“Caden Tullous started the game with some excellent running and capped it off with a 15-yard touchdown,” Kleckner said.
Juan Luna kicked an extra point that turned out to be the difference in the one-point game.
Tullous scored again, with a 60-yard scamper.
The Lions drove two times, attempting to make the go-ahead touchdown, but the LMS defense shut them down.
Zachery Horton recovered a forced fumble late in the game. That takeaway, and Riley Oestreich’s catch for a first down, helped LMS seal the game, the coach said.
“The team has played well this season, worked hard and were very successful,” Kleckner said. “The coaching staff has been very pleased with the development of this group and wish them well heading into high school.”
The Badger seventh-grade “A” team fell to 5-3 with a 12-6 loss to the Lions.
The Lions scored a touchdown on their first possession.
After that, “the Badger defense dug in their claws and played a great game,” Kleckner said. “They were relentless on getting to the ball carrier and bringing him down. Tate Langford and Carter Toups were in on several big stops in the game. Sean Smith and Rowdy Johns were constantly in the backfield, making tackles and applying pressure on the quarterback.”
After trailing 6-0, the Badgers ended a scoring drive with a 10-yard touchdown run by Calum Mitchell to tie the game.
Brownwood scored the deciding touchdown with two seconds left.
“Cale Tatum, K.J. Reed, Bryson Roberts and Sean Smith ran the football extremely well and picked up many hard-fought yards on the ground,” Kleckner said. “Asher Harris had a 50-yard reception, and Cale Tatum had a 40-yard reception in the game.
“It was a tough way to end the season, but the effort and heart that the Badgers played with cannot be overlooked,” he said.
A 20-8 victory over Brownwood gives the LMS seventh-grade “B” team a 6-1 final record.
Elias Ayala scored the Badgers’ first touchdown on a 70-yard run.
Later, Jaden McElwain found Jmesen Vanliew for a 10-yard touchdown pass.
“This was a constant connection all year between these two,” Kleckner said.
The last touchdown of the night came from Elias Ayala on a 5-yard run, his second score of the night.
Wesley Stephens and Christopher Mendoza made a fourth-down stop on the Lions’ first drive to set the tone.
“The defense came ready to play …,” Kleckner said. “Kanon Anderson made a touchdown-saving tackle, chasing down a guy who had a major breakaway. Ty Walling and Christopher Mendoza both caused fumbles that gave the Badger offense the ball.”
The Badgers outscored opponents 152- 30 this season.
“The coaches are very happy with how this team progressed from the start of the season to now,” Kleckner said.