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BASTROP — The Bastrop Bears varsity football team made a dominant statement in the first round of the playoffs, defeating the Lanier Voks 66-14 Friday, Nov. 15.
Sophomore quarterback Weston Nielsen threw for 259 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Bears to their eighth consecutive victory.
Bastrop wasted no time, with Nielsen connecting on a 20-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Ramonz Adams on the opening drive.
Adams added a second touchdown with a 27yard reception to give the Bears a 21-0 lead. He finished the game with 67 yards and two touchdowns.
The Bears’ defense also contributed, as sophomore Cale Findley returned an interception 41 yards for a touchdown to make it 35-0.
In the second half, Miles Johnson extended the lead with a 47-yard touchdown reception on a screen pass, making it 42-0 at halftime. Johnson added another score in the fourth quarter, running 29 yards for a touchdown to cap off a stellar offensive performance.
Senior all-purpose player Quinn Joyner and senior Ladianian Merino powered the Bears' backfield, with Joyner rushing for 28 yards and three touchdowns and Merino adding 39 yards and a touchdown. Junior linebacker Tiki Hola led the defense.
With the victory, Bastrop advances to the second round of playoffs, where they will face the Fort Bend Marshall Buffalos Friday, Nov. 22. The Buffalos, coming off an equally impressive 52-14 win over University, will meet the Bears at Waller Independent School District Stadium, 20735 Stokes Road in Waller, 7:30 p.m.
