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Searching for its first win since their 2023 season finale, the Smithville Tigers' losing streak increased to 14 games after falling to the Caldwell Hornets 49-34 on Friday, Sept. 19.
Senior running back Justin Gurley led the Tigers offensively with five receptions for 99 yards and a touchdown. He also added a touchdown run.
Caldwell struck first, taking a 7-0 lead in the opening quarter. Smithville mounted a promising drive, but it stalled when Gurley fumbled after back-to-back 18-yard runs, and the Hornets capitalized on the turnover to extend their lead to 14-0.
Smithville answered in the second quarter when senior quarterback Tripp Davis connected with Gurley for a 36-yard touchdown pass to cut the deficit to 14-7. But Caldwell responded with a 21-7 run, pushing the Tigers into a 35-14 hole entering the fourth quarter.
Gurley tried to spark a comeback with a 34-yard touchdown run to make it 35-20, but the Hornets quickly countered with another score to go up 4220. Junior utility player Rorry Johnson added late fireworks with a 42-yard rushing touchdown and an 80-yard touchdown pass, but Smithville’s rally fell short.
The Tigers dropped to 0-4 this season and will look for their first win when they travel to Jarrell on Friday, Sept. 26, for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
