On their last district game of the season, Smithson Valley conquered the New Braunfels Unicorns,  42-28. After finishing the season with a 6-4  record in District 26-6A, the Rangers advance to district playoffs.

The squad capitalized in the red zone once again against New Braunfels. After the Nov. 1 victory over the San Marcos Rattlers, Coach Larry Hill acknowledged that applying quick pressure on the opponent changed the game.

“You obviously want to play well early in the game every week,” he said. “Some weeks that’s possible and some weeks that’s not.”

Early in the first quarter, running back Gabe Hoskins scored a quick 9-yard rushing touchdown. Less than a minute later, the defense recovered a fumble by New Braunfels. Senior Jacob Forton finished the quarter by running in a 2-yard touchdown.

In the second half, wide receiver Greg Eggleston put the Unicorns in their place, scoring three touchdowns, one on an 81-yard run.

Trey Moore, a junior defensive end, scored on a 71-yard fumble return with 35 seconds left in the fourth quarter in final scoring play of the game.

Senior quarterback Luke Gombert, who had 11 touchdowns for the season, is ready for playoffs.

“We feel pretty confident. It is always fun to win on the last home game of the season,” Gombert said. “We also learned from our mistakes, so we know how to improve from the last game to the next. Our season isn’t over yet, but it does feel good to win at home.”

RECENT DISTRICT 26-6A SCORES:

11/8: Clemens vs. Judson 34-30

11/8: Steele vs. East Central 35-20

11/8: San Marcos vs. Canyon 13-3