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BASTROP — The Bastrop Bears continued their winning streak with a 38-28 victory over the Pflugerville Panthers Friday, Nov. 1, marking their sixth consecutive win and keeping them undefeated in district play.
Bastrop started strong, with senior running back Ladainian Merino opening the scoring with a 10yard rushing touchdown to give the Bears a 7-0 lead. Merino shined throughout the game, leading the Bears’ rushing attack with 59 yards and three touchdowns. The Bears quickly built a commanding 21-0 lead, thanks to another 1-yard touchdown from Merino and a 39-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Weston Neilsen to senior wide receiver Jaylen Gratten.
Neilsen finished with 275 passing yards and two touchdowns, adding a field goal and a touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Ramonz Adams, which extended Bastrop’s lead to 31-7 by the end of the third quarter. Senior wide receiver Kayshon Moore also had a standout performance, recording 124 receiving yards.
In the second half, the Bears adopted a more conservative approach, scoring just once more, which allowed the Panthers to rally for 21 points, making the final score closer than the game suggested.
Key contributors for Pflugerville included junior quarterback Cole Taylor, who threw for 259 yards, and senior running back Ryhder Miller, who rushed for 104 yards and two touchdowns.
With this win, the Bears improved to 7-2 overall and 6-0 in district play.
Bastrop aims to secure a district championship when they host the Liberty Hill Panthers Friday, Nov. 8, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m.
