Jackets Pull Away from China Spring on Hall of Fame Night

Photos by Kimmie McKinney Photography

Stephenville, TX– On the first chilly night of the season, the Jackets finally found another team that was willing to get into a track meet with them. The outcome would prove to be no different than the previous games of the 2026 campaign. Stephenville beat China Spring 55-21 on Friday night and would go to 7-0 on the year. In all the games leading up to Friday, the opposition would take as much of the play clock as possible to limit the amount of possessions for the Jackets. The Cougars were willing to go up tempo and it would provide Stephenville with the most opportunities in a game this year. The Jackets would amass near 600 yards, even with the team going very conservative in the 4th quarter.

The success of the Jackets would be fitting as six former Stephenville athletes were inducted into the SHS Hall of Fame on Friday. The 2026 inductees were Courtney Collier Bennett, Hailey Martin, Brad Mills, Shalor Pryor, Sterling Doty and Jarrett Stidham.

The game was relatively tight at halftime with the Jackets only leading by two touchdowns, 35-21. But a trend that is starting to become more consistent, is a Jackets’ War-Dog Defense that will shut down the opponent’s offense in the second half. Stephenville is only allowing on average, five points in each second half through seven games. China Spring would be held scoreless in the second half Friday night as the Jackets outscored them 20-0.

Statistically, The Jackets had 439 yards passing with Trot Jordan going 19-23 for 390 yards and 4 touchdowns. Grayson Copeland completed 3-3 for 49 yards. Leading the Jacket receiving corp was Caden Monk with eight catches for 136 yards and two touchdowns. Austin Jergins had another two touchdowns on his two receptions of 70 yards. Pecos Tally had 98 yards receiving on three catches to go along with Jhett Banuelos who caught four balls for 80 yards. Rounding out the receiving was Mason Shaver with three catches for 40 yards and Kendall Douglas with one grab for 15 yards.

Running the ball for Stephenville saw senior Caleb Gleason going for 87 yards on 13 carries with two touchdowns. Karson Bernal carried 12 times for 47 yards and Trot Jordan once for eight yards. Carter VanZandt and Grayson Copeland would both get their first touchdowns of the season from short yardage out.

Next up for Stephenville is a massive contest that will have state-wide implications. The Jackets travel to Jarrell with both teams at 7-0. Jarrell is coached by former Stephenville Athletic Director Alan Haire. Kickoff is scheduled for 7pm.