EASTLAND – The Early Longhorns put the disappointment of last week’s four-overtime district loss to Brady far behind them as they mauled the Eastland Mavericks, 74-0, Friday night in 5-3A Division II action.
Early (4-5, 3-1) produced 452 yards of total offense – 254 rushing and 198 passing – against the Eastland (0-9, 0-4) defense. The Longhorns jumped out to a 29-0 lead after one quarter, which grew to 43-0 by halftime and 64-0 after three frames.
Longhorn quarterback Caden Wilson completed 10 of 13 passes for 126 yards and a pair of touchdowns, Isaac Ybarra hurled a 25-yard scoring toss, and Skyden Stoddart connected on 2 of 4 attempts for 47 yards.
Andrew Reedy caught four passes for 59 yards and reached the end zone twice, while Brennen Rasor pulled down an 11-yard scoring reception. Jaxson Stockman caught two passes for 32 yards, Stone Ratliff added two grabs for 28 yards, Miguel Brunette hauled in two receptions for 27 yards, Aaron Mendoza snagged a 36-yard catch, and Cameron Love caught a 5-yard pass.
Love also ignited the rushing attack with 106 yards and a touchdown on just five carries. Ratliff chipped in 54 yards and a score on the ground, Brandon Walker rushed for 24 yards and a touchdown, and Wilson tacked on 17 yards and crossed the goal line once. Reedy also rushed for 18 yards, while Stoddart and Aiden Driskill each contributed 5 yards on the ground.
Reedy returned a punt 66 yards for a touchdown as well, and returned an interception 50 yards for another score. Matthew Walker tacked on a 100-yard pick six, and Rasor booted a 31-yard field goal to cap the Early scoring.
The playoff-bound Longhorns return home to host Dublin (1-7, 1-2), which is coming off a 56-7 loss to Clifton (7-2, 3-1), next week for Senior Night. In the other 5-3A Division II contest Friday night, first-place Brady (7-2, 4-0) slipped past Tolar (3-6, 1-3) by a 20-14 count. Brady and Clifton cross paths in the final week of the regular season, with a three-way tie for the district championship, with the Longhorns, a possibility.
