Owls fly high over Evadale Rebels
Anderson-Shiro quarterback Connor Daley launches a pass during a 41-6 over Evadale. Daley passed for three touchdowns, had five tackles and an interception in the game. Examiner photo by Carter Benton
Mason Kolby (44) blocked an Evadale Rebel punt to begin the game in Anderson-Shiro's 41-6 Homecoming win. Examiner photo by Carter Benton
ANDERSON - The Anderson- Shiro Fighting Owls put on a show in their dominant 41-6 Homecoming victory over the Evadale Rebels.
On Evadale’s first possession, junior Mason Kolby blocked a punt that was returned for a touchdown by fellow junior Will Lee. Jarvis Haynes bulldozed his way to pay dirt to tack on the twopoint conversion.
Evadale hung tough through the first quarter scoring a touchdown with 2:21 left on a short pass. The conversion failed allowing the Owls to maintain an 8-6 lead. That is as close as the Rebels would get for the remainder of the contest.
Later in the half, Haynes broke loose and powered his way in from 20 yards out. Haynes rushed for over 100 yards in the game. Kieren Gill’s kick was true, extending the lead 15-6. The staunch Owl defense got a spectacular interception from sophomore Connor Daley, leading to another Haynes rushing touchdown just before the half. Anderson- Shiro carried a 21-6 lead into halftime.
At halftime, senior defensive back Brant Werner was named Owl Homecoming King. The Lady Owls were represented well with senior Josey Imhoff, who plays volleyball, basketball and softball, was crowned Homecoming Queen. It was a great night for all Homecoming participants and fans!
After the half, the Owls were reminded they had been challenged all week to finish the game. Owl Head Coach, Brad Hodges, said his message to the players all week and at the half was to, “finish strong!” It didn’t take long for the team to prove the message was taken seriously. Daley’s pass ended up in Kagen Stephens’ hands on a circus-like play. The ball was tipped by another player, before Stephens secured it for the score. That pushed the lead to 27-6.
Daley and Stephens connected again from 11 yards out. Gill’s extra point gave the Owls a comfortable 34-6 lead. The scoring was finalized on a 40-yard pass from Daley to Jordan Coronado. A total team performance led to a convincing 41-6 win. Haynes led all Owl rushers with 102 yards on 17 carries. Stephens had three catches, two touchdowns, and seven tackles. Daley finished the evening with 126 yards passing, three passing touchdowns, 80 yards rushing, five tackles, three pass breakups and an interception. This week the Owls (3-1) will kick off District 12-4A play with a familiar foe in the Kountze Lions (0-4). “We have stressed all week that it all resets,” stated Hodges. “We are 0-0 again. This is district, it is truly the second season. The games count for positioning, and this is how we are going to accomplish that goal of a playoff berth. It is all about the Kountze Lions this week.”
The Owls had great fan presence Friday night and are looking for that again. “I cannot tell you how awesome it was to look back and see those fans,” said Hodges. “The student section was rocking, having fun, and cheering all night! We heard them - it makes a huge difference. It means the world to the student athletes and coaches to see the school and community supporting their hard work! We can’t wait to see them again this Friday!”
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. in Anderson. As always, if you cannot attend your favorite local game, please follow Navasota Examiner Sports on Facebook. On the page you will find score updates, action pictures, action videos and post-game pictures from all your local games. Go Owls!