Tigers end Owl's season
Examiner photo by Carter Benton Kevin Cabrera runs for a big gain in second-half action at the Tomato Bowl in Jacksonville. The Daingerfield Tigers won the 3A Division 2 Bi-District matchup, 41-6.
JACKSONVILLE - The Anderson-Shiro Fighting Owl football post season ended Thursday, Nov. 10, at Tomato Bowl Stadium, at the hands of the Daingerfield Tigers 41-6.
The young Owls returned to the Class 3A Division 2 playoffs after a 1-year hiatus. Anderson-Shiro put together one of their best halves of football of the year to start the game.
Offensively, Anderson-Shiro threatened early with big pass plays from Connor Daley and several nice runs from Jarvis Haynes. Defensively, the Owls forced several turnovers sidelining the dangerous Tiger offense for most of the first and second quarter.
Daingerfield finally got a break when an Owl defender went for the interception only to have the ball slip through his hands and into the hands of a Tiger receiver. “We had a shock the world attitude all night,” explained Owl Head Coach Brad Hodges. “We were going to leave it all out there on the field and take chances. That’s what happened on that play. We came up short, but our effort was amazing.” The play resulted in a long catch and score late in the second quarter.
In the next series, the Owls turned the football over and the Tigers pounced. Daingerfield showed their depth and athletic ability by converting the turnover into another touchdown, extending their lead 14-0, with 5:20 left in the first half. After a quick stop, the Tigers scored again, extending the lead 20-0 heading into halftime.
The Owls kept “hooting,” showing great fight to start the second half. Anderson-Shiro’s defense forced and recovered a fumble to stop the Tiger’s first drive. Quarterback Connor Daley and crew came out slinging. Daley set up Kevin Cabrera on a screen pass near the Tiger 30-yard line. Cabrera followed the line almost untouched into the endzone to get the Owls on the board 20-6.
The young Owls continued to fight to the finish, but in the end the Tigers talent and depth prevailed. They used an array of weapons to finish strong and beat the Owls 41-6.
After the game, Hodges reflected on the season, “Our young guys fed off our seniors all season. Tonight, was no different,” he explained. “Our older guys really showed the team the sacrifices it takes to be successful. They never quit, always did what was asked of them, and played as a unit through thick and thin. They went out there and believed in themselves when no one gave them a shot. We will build on that legacy. We owe those seniors for that!”
Looking ahead to the future, Hodges said, “We will get back into the offseason this week. Our strength and conditioning program are going to be the key in developing this team. Our kids and coaches are going to hit the gym and track hard. This team will be back and ready to go by next August. Now it is on to basketball, baseball, track, powerlifting, 7vs7, and/or offseason workouts for these guys.”
On a personal note, I want to thank the student athletes, Coach Hodges, his coaching staff, administration, cheer coach, band director, teachers, parents, and fans for allowing me to cover this amazing group of kids. The players, trainers, cheerleaders, band, student section, and student support staff at Anderson-Shiro are all amazing students and people. Please Follow/Like us at “EXAMINER SPORTS” and “NAVASOTA EXAMINER” on Facebook!