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BASTROP — The Bastrop Bears varsity football team will host the Liberty Hill Panthers in a high-stakes, winnertake- all district championship showdown Friday, Nov. 8.
Both teams enter the matchup undefeated in district play.
Last season, Bastrop struggled defensively against the Panthers, falling 81-31 in their toughest game of 2023. The Bears are preparing for a different outcome this time around, bringing a solid defense that’s allowed an average of 19.4 points per game.
Key defensive players include junior lineman Tiki Hola and senior outside linebacker Joey Hernandez, who will be tasked with containing Liberty Hill’s triple-opt ion offense, which averages 485 rushing yards and 54.9 points per game.
Leading the Panthers’ rushing attack is senior Kyle May, with 1,226 yards and 21 touchdowns under his belt this season.
On offense, the Bears have their own firepower. Sophomore quarterback Weston Neilsen has helped Bastrop average 45.4 points per game, most recently throwing for 275 yards and two touchdowns against Pflugerville.
Neilsen’s key targets, senior wide receivers Keyshon Moore and Ramonz Adams, continue to shine. Moore posted 124 receiving yards in the Nov. 1 matchup, while Adams scored a touchdown.
Senior running back Ladianian Merino, fresh off a two-touchdown game, will look to keep Bastrop’s ground game strong.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Bastrop Memorial Stadium.
