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BUDA – The Bastrop Bears hammered the nail in the coffin when they drove the length of the field and took a commanding two-touchdown lead with just a few minutes left.
After losing a handful of heartbreaking contests in 2022, this year’s Bears looked like a different squad in their 29-15 road victory over the Lehman Lobos on Friday. Both sides of the ball flashed signs of greatness and made clutch plays in the most critical moments, propelling them to a 1-0 record.
Bastrop had to overcome a slow start, though. The Lobos capped off their opening drive with a 20-yard touchdown pass from Collin Richardson to Kyle Kothman. The Bears’ offense, led by Quintaelyn Joyner, was finally able to put together a nice drive to end the first quarter, but an unsuccessful field goal try kept the deficit at 7-0.
The Bears forced back-to-back punts, including a three-and-out, to set the offense up around midfield with about seven minutes left in the second quarter. On second-and-10, Bastrop’s coaches dialed up the perfect play, resulting in a screen pass from Quintaelyn Joyner to Bryan Pauley, who bolted down the left sideline for a 53-yard score, tying the game 7-7.
“We know what he is capable of producing this year on the field,” Bears head coach Jake Griedl said of Joyner prior to the season. “He is a talented player. However, with talent comes much responsibility. We expect our most talented to also do right, and lead others to reach their full potential also. Quin is doing that, along with some other great leaders on our team.”
A few possessions later, Lehman marched all the way down to the Bears’ 1-yard line, but the Bastrop defense came up with a gutsy stop, forcing a fumble and taking over deep in their own territory. On the next play, however, the Lobos won the battle at the line of scrimmage and tackled a Bears ball carrier for a safety.
The Bears ultimately ran out the clock to end the half, while the Lobos clung to a 9-7 lead.
It’s unclear what adjustments or fiery speeches occurred at halftime, but Bastrop ramped up the intensity to open up the third quarter. The Lobos’ next possession ended with a big-time sack by Pedro Flores to force a three-and-out.
Bears running back Ladainian Merino began to heat up on the ensuing drive, ripping off a 25 and 15-yard to quickly move them into Lobos territory. Several plays later, on a crucial fourth down, Joyner delivered a strike to Keyshon Moore on a hitch route over the middle. Moore then turned on the jets and zoomed past the secondary for a 30-yard touchdown. The 2-point try was no good, and the Bears claimed a 13-9 advantage.
“Tackling Keyshon is like trying to tackle smoke,” Griedl said. “He is explosive, fast and extremely strong. He has TD potential every time he touches the ball.”
The Bears’ defense continued to wreak havoc, resulting in a second straight three-and-out and setting the stage for a dazzling throw by Joyner. The junior quarterback was under pressure, rolled right and launched a bomb across the field, hitting Jaelyn Gratten perfectly in stride for a 55-yard touchdown. The Bears converted the 2-point try and held 21-9 with a little over five minutes left in the third.
Lehman’s ensuing drive ended with an interception by Andy McCarus, and the Bears looked poised to score again after another 20-yard run by Merino and a first-down catch by Gratten to close the quarter.
However, Joyner was stopped just short of the sticks on a fourth-down run a few plays later, and the Lobos still had life. The home team responded with a touchdown drive that ended with a 37-yard catch and run. The score was 21-15 after a failed 2-point attempt.
With the Bears’ offense back on the field, it was the perfect opportunity to prove that this year’s team was different. And they did.
Merino showcased his speed and power, helping to melt the clock as he gained chunk yardage on multiple carries. Joyner capped off the long drive with an 11-yard score, and the game was practically out of reach, as the Lobos faced a 29-15 deficit with about two minutes to go.
The defense held strong down the stretch, and the Bears were jubilant as they tallied their first win of the season. Next up, Bastrop will travel to take on Leander on Thursday, Aug. 31.
