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Elgin Wildcats varsity football fell in a high-scoring battle against the Liberty Hill Panthers, losing 73-53 Friday, Oct. 11.
Sophomore quarterback Dylan Owens led Elgin's offense with 245 passing yards and two touchdowns.
Senior wide receiver Zaire Nuells was Owens' top target, racking up 119 receiving yards, one touchdown and adding 96 rushing yards with two scores. Despite their offensive efforts, the Wildcats struggled to contain Liberty Hill's powerful ground game, surrendering 743 rushing yards and nine touchdowns.
Elgin's defense got off to a slow start, allowing the Panthers to score on consecutive drives for a 13-0 lead in the first quarter. The Wildcats found some momentum in the second, as Owens connected for a touchdown to close the gap to 13-6. Both teams traded scores throughout the first half, but Liberty Hill maintained control, leading 37-26 at halftime.
Liberty Hill scored again on their first possession of the second half, extending the lead to 44-26. Elgin fought back with a 20-7 run, pulling within one score at 51-46. However, the Wildcats couldn't sustain the momentum as Liberty Hill finished strong with three consecutive scoring drives.
Other key contributors for Elgin included senior quarterback Jalen Owens, who added 128 passing yards and two touchdowns, and junior wide receiver Gary Jefferson Jr., who totaled 84 all-purpose yards and two scores.
With the loss, Elgin drops to 2-4 overall and 2-1 in district play. The Wildcats will look to rebound when they host Austin Crockett Friday, Oct. 18, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m.
UPCOMING GAMES
• Oct. 18 vs. Austin Crockett 7:30 p.m.
• Oct. 25 at Bastrop 7:30 p.m.
• Nov. 1 vs. Pflugerville Connally 7:30 p.m.
