San Augustine Makes Most of First Trip to State

COLLEGE STATION -- The San Augustine Wolves, despite being one of the smallest schools participating at the state 7-on-7 tournament, are making the most of their first-ever trip to College Station.

San Augustine, a 2A school competing against mostly 3A and 4A programs this week, are through to the Division II championship bracket after a 3-0 pool-play performance Thursday at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex.

The Wolves opened with a 34-26 win over Rockdale, which was followed by a 34-31 come-from-behind victory over Liberty and a 27-22 defeat of Dublin.

“When we first got into our state qualifying tournament (at Spring Hill), we were the only 2A team there,” said San Augustine senior WR/DB Kris Wade. “It kinda motivated us because we were going against guys that were way bigger than us. The summer has been helping us out; we’ve all been getting faster and stronger. That’s been the key to our success.”

The Wolves will face fellow East Texas school Palestine at 9 a.m. on Field 9A in the championship bracket’s Round of 32.

“This right here is giving us confidence, knowing that we can play against (schools with bigger enrollments),” Wade said. “So when we get down to 2A, it’s not gonna be easy, but it won’t be as hard.”

It took a while for San Augustine to find its rhythm, but once it did there was no stopping the Wolves in their second Pool F game of the day.

San Augustine overcame a 19-0 deficit, and scored with no time remaining to earn a thrilling 34-31 win over Liberty, which pushed the Wolves to 2-0 in pool play.

Gavin Murr’s touchdown pass to Quay Johnson — his second of the game — competed the comeback. San Augustine added the extra point as time expired.

On the previous possession, QuenTyvian Borders hauled in a touchdown to cut Liberty’s lead to 31-27. Then, Borders set up the game-winning drive by intercepting Liberty in the end zone with a little less than two minutes to play.

“Q is our leader; whatever he tells us to do we do it,” Wade said of Borders. “We know defense wins championships. We’re gonna score points, but defense is the key to success.”

Wade, K.J. Davis, and Cedric Thomas all had touchdown receptions for San Augustine against Liberty.

Dewaylon Ingram + Carthage Survive Pool

One year after reaching the state quarterfinals at this event, Carthage is once again in position to do the same this season.

Carthage earned wins over Brazosport (28-21) and Levelland (39-24) before dropping its final game of the day to Gatesville, 58-25.

The Bulldogs will meet Cuero in the single-elimination championship bracket's Round of 32 at 9 a.m. on Field 8B.

Carthage senior receiver Dewaylon Ingram performed well all afternoon. He scored all four touchdowns in the Bulldogs' loss to Gatesville, and was on the receiving end of several other scoring tosses from junior quarterback Gunner Capps in the three games.

Gatesville scored on all eight of its possessions. It held a 38-19 lead at halftime, and held Carthage to one score following intermission.

Gilmer Stumbles to 0-3 Performance

It was a rough day for the Gilmer Buckeyes, which finished 0-3 in Pool G.

Following an opening loss to China Spring, Gilmer dropped games against Sonora (53-34) and Hardin-Jefferson (42-41).

The Buckeyes will meet Salado at 8 a.m. on Field 10B in the consolation bracket's Round of 32.

Three empty possessions early in the second half cost Gilmer in its pool-opening loss to China Spring.

The Buckeyes threw an interception on its first possession after halftime, and turned it over on downs on the second and third.

China Spring subsequently scored on its first three drives of the second half to open up a 42-20 lead.

Gilmer attempted a comeback after Jamarion Granville came down with an interception off a tipped ball.

Buckeyes senior receiver Red Jones’ touchdown reception cut the Gilmer deficit to 42-26. And after forcing a China Spring three-and-out, Brayden Bates’ scoring catch and Qua Heath’s two-point conversion sliced the Cougars’ lead to eight points.

But China Spring was able to run out the remainder of the clock to seal the win.

Both teams scored on their first three possessions of the game.

China Spring denied a Gilmer extra-point attempt after the Buckeyes’ third TD, helping the Cougars to a 21-20 halftime lead.