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BASTROP — Bastrop’s playoff journey came to a halt Friday, Nov. 22, with a 38-10 loss to the Fort Bend Marshall Buffalos in the second round.
The Bears entered the game riding a ninegame winning streak but struggled to spark their offense and contain the Buffalos’ potent rushing attack.
Bast rop’s defense opened strong, with senior defensive back Bryan Pauley intercepting a tipped pass on Fort Bend’s first drive, setting the Bears up at midfield. The turnover quickly translated into points as sophomore quarterback Weston Nielsen connected with senior tight end Brent Carter for a touchdown, giving Bastrop an early 7-0 advantage.
Fort Bend answered with a rushing touchdown to tie the game 7-7. The Bears brief ly regained the lead with a 10-yard field goal after being stopped at the 2-yard line, pulling ahead 10-7 with what would be Bastrop’s final points of the night.
The Buffalos domi nated pos ses s ion, keeping the Bears’ high-powered offense off the field and wearing down their defense. Bastrop’s turnovers, including two interceptions by Nielsen, proved costly, allowing Fort Bend to score 31 unanswered points and secure the win.
Despite the loss, the Bears’ 2024 season stands out as one of the program’s most successful in recent memory. Bastrop finished with a 9-3 overall record, a perfect 7-0 district mark and its first district championship in 15 years.
Sophomore quarterback Weston Nielsen had a standout season, throwing for more than 3,000 yards and 37 touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Keyshon Moore recorded 935 receiving yards and six touchdowns, while senior running back Ladanien Merino contributed 709 rushing yards and 10 scores.
As the Bears prepare for 2025, they face the challenge of replacing key seniors but remain optimistic about the future, according to program staff. With Nielsen returning to lead the offense, Bastrop looks to build on this historic season and continue its upward trajectory.
