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SMITHVILLE — It was a much anticipated 4A-2 District 12 matchup last Friday night as the Smithville High School varsity football team competed hard against rival La Grange High School at Tiger Stadium for the Pink Out game. Unfortunately, the visiting Leopards got the best of the Tigers down the stretch in the second half as Smithville fell 36-21 to La Grange in the district opener for both teams.
Despite a turnover deep in its own territory, the Smithville defense was able to get an outstanding goal-line stand at the 1-yard line to turn La Grange away. The Tigers’ offense then put together a great offensive drive that was capped off by an eight-yard touchdown by senior Murry DeShay. After the two-point conversion attempt was successful on a pass from junior Ramonz Adams to senior Dylan Hippler, the Tigers had an 8-0 lead late in the first quarter.
Although the Leopards were able to respond with a quick score of their own, the two-point conversion was no good as Smithville still led 8-6 with 1:20 left in the first quarter.
This back-and-forth defensive affair in the first half saw Smithville break through very late in the second quarter with another score. Tigers sophomore quarterback Trip Davis called his own number and was able to run the ball in from 10 yards out with 20 seconds left until halftime to give Smithville a 15-6 lead heading into halftime.
La Grange came out hot in the third quarter with two touchdown drives, including one late in the quarter with a two-point conversion that gave the Leopards their first lead of the night at 22-15. However, the Tigers fought back with a great drive downfield by the offense that was capped off by a one-yard touchdown run by senior Noah Baxter to get Smithville within 22-21 late in the third quarter.
Unfortunately for the Tigers, this was as close as they would get as Smithville was outscored 30-6 in the second half, including 14-0 in the fourth quarter to give La Grange a two-possession lead that was too much to overcome.
Although this was a tough loss, Smithville (1-5 overall record and 0-1 in district play) still has an open window to get into the playoffs. The Tigers will have a pivotal district game at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 13 as Smithville will travel to take on Giddings High School. The Buffaloes, who also have a 1-5 overall record, were routed 55-14 by undefeated Cuero High School in their district opener on the road last Friday night.
