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Carter Bordwell
carter.bordwell@granitepublications. com
The Bastrop Bears roared into the new season with a statement win, overpowering the Alvin Yellowjackets Friday, Aug. 30, behind a stellar performance from sophomore quarterback Weston Neilson.
Neilson led the varsity football team to a commanding 43-12 victory, completing 68.4% of his passes for 226 yards and three touchdowns.
The Bears set the tone early with a 12-yard touchdown run by senior running back Ladainian Merino, followed by a 33yard rushing score from senior wide receiver Keyshon Moore, putting Bastrop up 12-0 in the first quarter.
Alvin responded in the second quarter with a 12-yard rushing touchdown to cut the lead to 12-6, but Bastrop quickly regained control. Neilson connected with senior wide receiver Jaelyn Gratten for a 39-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 20-6. Gratten finished with three receptions for 106 yards and one touchdown.
In the second half, Bastrop continued to dominate. Neilson added two more touchdown passes—one to Moore and another to junior tight end Brent Carter. Moore tallied 83 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Senior wide receiver Ramonz Adams also found the end zone with a 14-yard touchdown reception from Neilson. Backup quarterback Quitaelyn Joyner capped off the scoring with a 10yard touchdown pass to Adams.
The Bears’ offense racked up 351 total yards, including 236 passing yards and 115 rushing yards, and converted 50% of their third downs, compared to Alvin’s 5-of-13.
On defense, Bastrop put on an impressive performance, forcing two turnovers and holding Alvin to just 264 total yards. Bastrop’s secondary was particularly strong, limiting the Yellowjackets to only 34 passing yards.
With the victory, Bastrop opens the season at 1-0. The Bears will look to build on their success when they host the China Spring Cougars in a non-district game on Friday, Sept. 6.
