Archive : October 2007
October 12, 2007
RANGER OUTLASTS BUFFALO STAMPEDE
Ranger 30, Cross Plains 24
Homecoming week proved to be a distraction for the Bulldogs this week as Ranger narrowly escaped upset minded Cross Plains here Friday night.
The Bulldogs played a solid first half of football putting up 22 points and holding Cross Plains to 6 at the half.
However the Buffalos found new life in the second half and with a minute to go (trailing 30-24), in the game were in a position to tie the game. Once again the very talented Bulldog defense rose to the challenge and held. I think everyone on the Ranger side took a collective sigh of relief.
Cross Plains played a pass oriented game most of the night and this was something new for the Bulldogs to see. It also showed Ranger that the secondary has it’s weaknesses. Watching the game I got the impression the boys enjoyed playing this type of game. It differently keep them on their toes especially late in the game.
Michael Espinoza, (named Honorable Mention Big Country Player of the week), scored several times for the Bulldogs and Ryan Draper capped off three drives by running in the two point conversions. I was especially impressed with the game play of Cory Smith on Friday night. He was in on at least 15 tackles and numerous assists. I called his number many times during the game.
Congratulations to Senior Chelsea Walton on being named 2007 Homecoming Queen at halftime. Chelsea looked quiet enchanting in her beautiful aqua-green gown and I know her family and friends were very proud.
- Ronny Powell
- October 12, 2007 8:21 PM
GORMAN BEATS DOGS IN DEFENSIVE BATTLE
Gorman 7, Ranger 6
Both teams drove the length of the field in each's opening drives to score. The difference being Ranger's failed PAT after a score in the first half.
Gorman who had scored a wopping 83 points the week before at Sterling City found themselves in a real battle most of the night against a much stronger defensive team from Ranger.
The scoring highlight for Ranger came on a 14 yard slant pass from Ryan Draper to Josh Wilson.
Ranger was flagged with several holding penalities and a couple of procedure violations during the night. No penality is ever welcome but these seemed to come at just the wrong times during the game. The Dogs found themselves in many third and nines and third and elevens. You can't shoot yourself in the foot in a game like this one and hope to be successful.
The boys were very down after the game because they left everything on the field Friday night. They will have to swallow hard and get back in the saddle for Cross Plains next Friday. It's also Homecoming week and a lot of distractions are sure to follow.
- Ronny Powell
- October 12, 2007 7:59 PM