Football season comes to a close

Smithson+Valley+breaking+the+banner+to+battle+Austin+Westlake+on+Nov.+24

Mckenzie Bentley

Smithson Valley breaking the banner to battle Austin Westlake on Nov. 24

Wyatt Tomallo, Sports Editor

The varsity football team ended their 2017 state playoff run on Friday with a disappointing 51-31 loss to Austin Westlake in Alamo Stadium.

The first quarter consisted of both teams exchanging blows on the scoreboard with the Rangers striking first off of junior kicker Mason Reid 24-yard field goal. The Chaparrals answered back with a score of their own from freshman running back Penny Baker catching a 31-yard touchdown pass to give Westlake a 7-3 lead early in the first quarter. The team responded in a matter of 13 seconds from senior receiver Trevon Moehrig-Woodard speeding past defenders on a jet sweep that resulted in a 70-yard touchdown.

The team generated another big play on the opening drive of the second quarter with senior receiver Mason Pierce scoring on a deep 49-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Levi Williams. Westlake answered with two quick touchdowns to give the Chaps a one score lead in the closing minutes of the first half. The Rangers continued to power back as Williams lead a last minute drive down the field to put the ball in the end zone to shrink the Westlake lead to 28-24 heading into halftime.

In the second half the Chaparrals continued to extend their lead by holding the Rangers scoreless and putting up two scores in the third quarter off a 1-yard rushing touchdown and a 28-yard field goal.

In the final quarter of play, the team made one final push as Moehrig-Woodard continued to thrive off a 14-yard touchdown pass by Williams. Westlake ended the team’s momentum as they scored two more touchdowns before the final whistles blew, making the final 51-31. The varsity football team heads into the offseason where they will begin to start preparation for next year’s team along with hopeful sophomores and juniors looking to carry on the tradition under those Friday night lights to kick off next season for the Rangers.