Zero Week Featured Game Summaries
Lorena vs. West - The Lorena Leopards started its football campaign in the foreign confines of “Thursday Night Lights.” The Leopards were led to the Class 3A Division II Regional final last year by offensive juggernaut Evan Ward. It became evident on Thursday who would pick up the slack after Ward’s graduation, Fisher Simpson. After suffering a broken collarbone early in last year’s scintillating season, Simpson appeared hungry to regain what was lost last season. The Leopard quarterback tossed for 175 yards and two touchdowns, and also recorded a rushing touchdown en route to a 41-13 dismantling of West. His favorite target on the night was receiver Bradly Krall, who caught six balls for 93 yards and two touchdowns. The Leopard offense seemed to be in mid-season form judging by the 41 point explosion, but the Leopard defense also stood tall all throughout the contest. Lorena’s defense was led by ball-hawk Chandler Snodgrass, who intercepted an errant pass by West quarterback Kolbey Carpenter, returned it 80 yards and cashed it in for a touchdown. This opened a 27-13 Leopard lead, which also proved to be the nail in the coffin. Lorena poured it on late and sealed the deal with a 36 yard rushing touchdown by the offensive MVP, Fisher Simpson.

Midway vs. Round Rock High - For the first time in 23 years, Kent Bachtel isn’t directing the Midway Panther football team. Bachtel was replaced by Terry Gambill, a former Allen High School assistant. Gambill and company did not disappoint in his first game as a Panther. Midway traveled down I-35 to play 5A Round Rock High School. The Midway defense had the Round Rock offense in chains all night, not allowing a single point in the 17-0 blanking of the Dragons. Midway’s offensive production was high-lighted by a 60 yard scoring sprint by sophomore running back BJ Kelly and a 13 yard pitch and catch from quarterback Ryan Smith to receiver Kevin Thomas. Thomas, who dropped 2 balls prior to his touchdown reception, showed his ability to bounce back from early adversity. Midway place-kicker Kevin Potts added a field goal late to extend the difference to three possessions. Midway will host another 5A foe next week in the inaugural game at Panther Stadium.

Waco High vs. Austin High - Waco High hosted Austin High at Waco ISD stadium in the H-E-B Kickoff Classic on Friday. This contest, as the title indicates, was truly a classic. The Lions’ spread-option proved to be enough as the Waco High outgunned Austin High 34-32 in a Texas-style shootout. Waco High led 18-14 when Lions defender Lester Walker jarred the ball loose of Austin High quarterback Jordan Jaquez’s hands and another Lion defender, Eric Parham scooped up the fumble and returned it for a touchdown. Unfortunately for the Lions, the comfortable 25-14 lead quickly disintegrated. Jacquez marched the Maroons down the field and finished the drive with a 10 yard touchdown pass to Linus Boley. After the ensuing kickoff, Lions quarterback Deonte Phillips watched the snap soar over his head, and it was recovered by the Maroons on the Waco High 15 yard line. Austin High again capitalized on the Waco High mistake, snatching the lead 26-25. The Lions were not to be denied, however, because Lion speedster Dennis Gibson broke free for a 49 yard touchdown rush with 8:49 left in the final frame. Waco High tacked on a late field goal, which extended the lead to eight points. Austin High scored to trim the deficit to two points, but failed the two-point conversion.

Mart vs. Chilton - Mart enters the 2010-2011 season ranked number three in the state in their classification. Both last season and this season began with games against Chilton. The results, however, greatly differed. Last season Central Texas football fans were stunned by Chilton’s 39-16 victory over the Panthers. This year, Mart came out firing and verified their number 3 ranking. Mart running back Jakeen Hoffman gashed the Chilton defense early and often. Anthony Martin also got carries out of the Mart backfield, and made the most of them. Martin received the handoff from quarterback Holden Strunck and sped past Chilton defenders for a 75 yard touchdown rush. Strunck did more than just hand the ball off; he passed efficiently completing five of seven passes for 75 yards.

Reicher vs. Academy - Defending state champion Reicher, started its 2010-2011 season in a familiar, and dominant fashion. Reicher cruised past Academy 35-7 behind a great performance by quarterback Blake Waggoner. Waggoner, who replaced last year’s playmaker Matt Hicks, completed 21-33 passes for 129 yards and two touchdowns. Waggoner seemed in-synch with his receivers all night. Receivers Nick Martinez and Brandon Dywer each caught touchdown passes. The Cougars also had success on the ground on Friday. Isaac Gonzales rushed for 70 yards and two touchdowns, while newcomer Bryce Murphy added 88 yards.

Cover Photo by: Nathan Meador
Click Here For More Photos from Meador Photography