Bangs unable to keep pace with Merkel in 54-37 defeat

September 16, 2023 at 11:33 am Derrick Stuckly

Quarterback Kenny Cole (10) accounted for 316 total yards and all five touchdowns for the Dragons (1-3), who kick off district action at home against De Leon (3-1) next week. [File photo courtesy of Dee Hail – Be Okay Photography]

BANGS – Coming off their first victory of the season in their first appearance at Memorial Stadium, the Bangs Dragons were unable to carry that momentum into a second consecutive week as the Class 3A Division II Merkel Badgers picked up a 54-37 victory Friday night.

Despite the loss, Bangs (1-3) generated 431 yards of total offense – 275 through the air and 156 on the ground – without a turnover.

Quarterback Kenny Cole connected on 22 of 37 passes for 275 yards and four touchdowns, including three to Hunter Newton who grabbed nine catches for 145 yards. Kade Minshew added six receptions for 82 yards and scored once, while Skylar Minshew pulled down six catches for 35 yards. Brayden Gatlin also added a pair of receptions for 13 yards.

On the ground for the Dragons, Ethan Ethridge led the way with 100 yards on 19 carries, while Cole tacked on 41 yards and a touchdown on 12 rushes. Hunter Hudnall picked up 15 yards on his lone carry.

Merkel (3-1) finished with 505 yards of total offense – 402 rushing and 103 passing – and committed the game’s only turnover.

Defensively for Bangs, Cason Tidwell led the pursuit with 9 tackles and 2 forced fumbles followed by Ethridge with 8 tackles, including 1 for loss, and a sack. Also getting into the act on the defensive end were Weston Scantling (4.5 tackles, 1 for loss), Newton (4 tackles, 1 for loss), Gatlin (2.5 tackles, 1 sack, 1 for loss), Hunter Crowell (2.5 tackles, 1 for loss), Skylar Minshew (2 tackles, 1 fumble recovery), Kade Minshew (2 tackles, 1 for loss), Hudnall (2 tackles), Hunter Withers (1.5 tackles), Brody Newton (1 tackle) and Noah Pin (1 tackle).

The Dragons open District 5-2A Division I action next week with a third straight home against De Leon (3-1), which is coming off a 24-10 victory over Hico Friday. Bangs placed third in the district last year and went on the capture a bi-district championship.