Riders ‘Out-Half’ Tigers

As the Daingerfield’s Tigers walked onto Roughrider Field Friday night, they were facing the #1 scoring offense in Texas 4A, Div I and Div II alike. With 198 total points in the first three weeks, Center had scored 21 more points than the next highest team, Chapel Hill with 177.

That makes it easy to explain the shock felt by Center’s players and fans as the first half closed with a zero on the home side of the scoreboard.

“We’re used to 24 seconds and a score,’” press box spotter Ward Herndon said. “But 24 minutes? Something ain’t right.”

The Tigers took the opening kickoff at their own 11-yardline. At quarterback, the familiar “0” on the jersey of junior Chase Johnson was missing. Instead, it was the number 8 of Daingerfield senior and future Texas Longhorn, Aeryn Hampton, one of east Texas’ outstanding and highly recruited players.

“When Hampton’s back there, it changes our whole approach,” Roughrider head coach Rick Meeks said. “He’s not the passer Johnson is, but he’s so dynamic, it changes their whole playbook.”

Daingerfield used 13 plays from that book to cover 89 yards on its way to the game’s first score. The Tigers drive also used more than half the quarter to reach the end zone with a dazzlingly shifty 17-yard Hampton keeper on third down.

“The defense was there, they had him stopped, then suddenly Hampton was running to the end zone,” announcer Keaton Watlington said. “Just amazing the athleticism that guy has.”

The PAT made it 7-0. Center’s first attempt earned two first downs, mostly on the feet of Kaden Dixon. But a holding penalty and an incomplete pass to an open Lance Wilburn would bring out the Center punter for only the third time this season.

Daingerfield spent the rest of the first quarter driving to the Center 35yard line, but the Center defense held and returned the ball to the ‘Rider offense. Unfortunately, the result was threeand- out. After a 60-yard Hernandez punt, Daingerfield took over on its own 21. Facing third and 15 from the 16-yardline, Daingerfield snapped the ball nearly two seconds after the play clock expired but no penalty was called. Instead, Hampton found a receiver for a 35 yard first down to near midfield. After converting two long third downs, the Tigers completed an 84-yard drive. The PAT made it 14-0 with 6:01 to go in the half. “We get the ball to begin the second half,” longtime Center announcer Rob Payne said. “If we can score now, we’ll have a chance to be right back in the game early third quarter.” Center went back to Dixon who carried four times for 20 plus yards before fumbling and giving the ball back to Daingerfield. The fumble return reached the Center 40-yardline with 4:45 left in the second stanza. Four plays later, facing third and 8 from inside the red-zone, Hampton threw a 12-yard strike to freshman Reign Wallace for Daingerfield’s third score. The PAT made it 21-0 with 2:29 until halftime.

Needing a spark, the Center offense had 149 seconds to go 70 yards. Instead of a spark, it fizzled, going three-and-out. Fortunately, Hernandez boomed another great punt which was downed on the 5-yardline. Daingerfield knelt on the ball and took the 21-0 halftime lead into the locker room.

During halftime, the Roughrider Band marched for the final time with all 185 of its members in preparation for the Canton performance this week. Mr. Smith will begin trimming the line-up that will ultimately perform at contest in about a month.

Shelby County’s Sweethearts, the Chaparrals, danced beautifully in a pom routine to the song “Flatliner.”

Begin the second half. While the first half had been ruled by the Daingerfield Tigers, the second half would see a complete regime change.

But not immediately. Kaden Dixon set the tone by returning the kick to the Tiger 44-yardline. As the drive neared the end zone, Cross threw to a wide receiver who had tripped and fallen. Daingerfield intercepted and returned to the 27-yardline. The Tigers had thwarted the ‘Rider’s opening possession and taken over at the 27.

However, the Center defense found its groove. It held Daingerfield to a three-and-out. Center’s drive that began at their own 40 would find its groove as well. Two Cash Cross runs later, the ‘Riders had traveled 60 yards for the first score.

The PAT made it 21-7. “Maybe that’s the spark,” Keaton Watlington said. It must have been. though Daingerfield moved into the red zone, the Center defense pushed them back to face a fourth and 15. Cash Cross broke up a Hampton pass stopping the Tigers on downs.

Center’s first play was a 30-yard pass to senior tight end Colby Lout. Three plays later, Cross hit TJ Belin for a 33-yard touchdown. The PAT made it 21-14 with 1:14 left in the third.

Daingerfield’s next drive ended with a fumbled snap on the punt as the fourth quarter began. Center got the ball on its own 40. Facing fourth down and four, Cross extended the drive with a 10-yard pass to Wilburn. Two plays later, a perfect Cross pass to TJ Belin connected for their second TD of the night.

Hernandez’ extra point tied the score at 21 all. “Zero to zero, fellas,” commentator Stephen Shires exclaimed! “It’s a whole new game.”

Daingerfield began with 8:30 to play deep in its own territory, but a 60-yard Braden Lewis run took them into Center territory. The drive continued to the Center 15. Two plays later on third and six, Roughrider junior JaKaeden Rogers swatted away a TD pass. Then on fourth down, Mason Mayo made the play of the game, stopping the Daingerfield running back in his tracks.

Kaden Dixon and the ‘Riders began at the 12-yardline. Dixon ran twice for thirteen before taking off on an 83-yard scamper to the goal line giving the ‘Riders its first lead.

Hernandez’ PAT made it 28-21. But Daingerfield responded. Braden Lewis returned the kick-off to near midfield. Facing a fourth and 19, the Tigers converted with a crisp pass from Hampton to Kenny Mosley to the Center 43. After a first down, Hampton rushed 25 yards to the Center five.

Four plays to tie. Two runs and a defensed pass later, it’s fourth and goal at the seven, one play for the defense to preserve the win.

At the snap, Hampton was immediately under intense pressure from Jaxon Parker, causing him to launch up a prayer that was intercepted by DaCalvion Edwards.

Center wins 28-21. District play begins next week in Canton against the Eagles. It will be interesting to see which lasts longer: the game or the trip from Center to Canton. For more information about the games against Daingerfield or Canton, tune in Tuesday to the Rick Meeks Show on YouTube at 7 p.m., live from the Pizzeria with Larry Pierce, Stephen Shires, and Chris Watlington, and at 8 p.m. on KDET with Don Wall.