Despite Millsap’s 41-20 surprise loss to Merkel Friday night, the Indians (6-4, 3-2) remain the third seed having lost to Millsap (5-4, 3-2) while Eastland (3-7, 2-3) held on to the fourth seed due to its head-to-head win over Merkel (6-4, 2-3).
Against Eastland, Comanche manufactured 384 yards of total offense with 295 coming on the ground.
Colt Schwertner led the way with 125 yards and two rushing touchdowns, Sawyer Wilkerson chipped in 109 yards on the ground and quarterback Layden Welch rushed for 39 yards and a score.
Through the air, Welch connected on 6 of 8 passes for 89 yards with two touchdowns – a 29-yarder to Kyler Beaty and one to Ayden Fishback, who finished with two catches for 16 yards. Cayden Davis (22 yards), JJ Davis (12 yards) and CT Buford (10 yards) also caught passes.
Next week, the Indians will square off with District 4 runner-up Henrietta (7-3) at 7 p.m. Friday in Springtown.
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Rising Star 66, Moran 0
MORAN – The Rising Star Wildcats capped off back-to-back undefeated District 14-A Division championship runs with a 66-0 road victory over Moran Friday night.
Rising Star improved to 8-2 overall and 3-0 against league foes, while Moran slipped to 2-8 on the season and 0-3 in district.
Next week, Rising Star will battle District 13 runner-up Bronte (3-7) at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Winters in bi-district playoff action.
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Miles 49, Cross Plains 19
MILES – The Cross Plains Buffaloes will head into the playoffs as the fourth seed from District 6-2A Division II following Friday night’s 49-19 loss to Miles Bulldogs, who claimed the third seed.
Cross Plains (4-5, 2-2) finished with 265 yards of total offense – 226 rushing and 35 passing – and committed three turnovers, while Miles (6-3, 2-2) generated 372 yards – 202 through the air and 170 on the ground – and did not cough up the ball.
Dusty Wyatt rushed for 112 yards for Cross Plains and completed 2 of 8 passes for 30 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Kevin Hopkins added 73 yards on the ground and a rushing touchdown, while Coltyn Barron completed his only pass attempt for 5 yards a score. Barron also hauled in a 30-yard scoring reception, and Wyatt caught a 5-yard touchdown pass.
Next week, the Buffaloes will face District 1 champion Wink (9-1) in a game currently slated to take place at 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10 at San Angelo ISD Stadium.
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Rochelle 58, Brookesmith 12
BROOKESMITH – The Brookesmith Mustangs wrapped up their 2023 campaign with a 58-12 home loss to the Rochelle Hornets Friday.
Neither team will advance to the playoffs as Rochelle finished 8-2 on the year and 2-2 in District 16-A Division II action with loss to playoff teams Richland Springs and Cherokee.
Brookesmith posted a 4-6 overall mark and went 1-3 against district opponents.
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Hamilton 36, Goldthwaite 13
HAMILTON – The Goldthwaite Eagles’ season reached its conclusion with a 36-13 loss to the Hamilton Bulldogs in District 5-2A Division I action Friday night.
In head coach Andy Howard’s second season, Goldthwaite (3-7, 1-5) improved on its winless campaign from 2022.
Meanwhile, Hamilton (6-4, 3-3) secured the third playoff seed from District 5-2A Division I with its third consecutive victory.
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Tolar 63, San Saba 0
TOLAR – Needing a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, the San Saba Armadillos became the sixth District 5-2A Division I victim of the league champion and second-ranked Tolar Rattlers, 63-0, Friday night.
San Saba concludes the 2023 season with a 3-7 overall mark and 2-4 record in district action, while playoff-bound Tolar improved to 9-1 on the season and completed a 6-0 run though district competition.
The Rattlers defense limited the Armadillos to 4 yards of total offense on 31 snaps.