Turnovers cost Bastrop in 29-24 defeat

The Bastrop Bears varsity football team fell short in a 29-24 upset loss to the China Spring Cougars Friday, Sept. 6.

Senior wide receiver Keyshawn Moore led the Bears’ offense with 11 receptions for 187 yards and two touchdowns.

Turnovers proved to be the key factor in the game, as Bastrop’s multiple giveaways allowed China Spring to capitalize and score.

The Cougars struck first with a pair of field goals, giving them a 6-0 lead. The Bears responded with a 17-yard touchdown run from senior running back Ladainian Merino, putting them ahead. Merino finished the night with 10 carries for 51 yards and a touchdown.

The Bears’ defense also contributed to the scoreboard, forcing a safety in the second quarter to take a 9-6 lead. However, the Cougars then rattled off 16 unanswered points, building a commanding 22-9 advantage. Bastrop cut into the deficit with an 11-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Weston Nielson to Moore, making it 2217.

Nielson had a mixed performance, throwing for 355 yards and two touchdowns but also tossing three interceptions.

China Spring extended its lead further with a late touchdown, making it 29-17. The Bears mounted a late-game comeback attempt, narrowing the score to 29-24, but ultimately fell short. Moore's 42-yard run on a screen pass ended the game as he was tackled with time expiring.

Bastrop falls to 1-1 on the season, while the Cougars improve to 1-1.

The Bears will aim to cut down on turnovers when they hit the road to face the Prestonwood Christian Lions Friday, Sept. 13, 7 p.m. at Lions Stadium in Plano.