Stephenville Shocks Ruston

Longview, TX– The thought outside of the Jacket locker room coming into the Ruston game yesterday was mainly; what a long drive and hope no one gets hurt right before district. It didn’t matter that Stephenville was 5-0 coming into the game and ranked in the top four in all of the state 4A polls. The Jackets had been to this exact same point a year ago coming into the Ruston game. Stephenville had been undefeated but lost to Ruston 63-17. Many thought the same would happen again this year. It did not. Stephenville would surprise the team from Louisiana (the Bearcats have appeared in their state’s largest classification state championship for the last three years) by the final of 28-12.

Stephenville elected to defer after the coin toss and play defense. The Jacket Wardog defense would create a three and out, which would become a precursor for most of the game. Stephenville’s offense on their first procession would march down the field and score on a seam route from QB Trot Jordan to Jhett Banuelos for 20 yards. Once again, the trend of Stephenville jumping on the opponent quickly had happened again. Another touchdown throw from Jordan to this time Brighton Devivo from 22 yards out would extend the lead to 14-0 before halftime.

The Jackets held Ruston to only 116 yards of total offense in the first half including a goal line stand that caused the ball to turn over on downs when the Bearcats went for it on 4th down and the nose of the ball just outside the goal line.

In the second half, Stephenville would bend without breaking as two long drives for Ruston ended with field goals instead of touchdowns. Ruston would finally get a touchdown in the game but not until 1:37 remained in the 4th quarter and the outcome was already decided. The Jackets got two more touchdowns themselves in the second half with Zyler McClendon runs of one and 22.

The 6-0 Jackets get a much deserved break with the bye next week before starting district play in Marble Falls on October 17th.