WALL – In a defensive slugfest, the Early Longhorns were turned away in their quest for their first district championship since 2007 as the Wall Hawks prevailed, 10-7, in Friday night’s battle of the 2-3A Division II co-leaders.
All the scoring took place in the first half, as Early (5-4, 3-1) was limited to 250 yards of total offense – 168 rushing and 82 passing – with one turnover. Wall (8-1, 4-0) produced 303 yards, including 261 rushing, and overcame two turnovers.
Griffin Cheslock rushed for 177 yards and a touchdown to lead the charge for the Early offense. Quarterback Jaxyn Price completed just 3 of 16 passes for 82 yards with one interception. Rohyn Price caught a 45-yard pass, Cedrick Morelan added a 36-yard reception and John-Stewart Gordon hauled in a 1-yard catch.
For Wall, which broke a 7-all tie with a second-quarter game-deciding field goal, quarterback Gunnard Dillard rushed for 167 yards and Nathan Pepper added 88 yards on the ground. Through the air, Dillard completed just 1 of 6 passes for 42 yards to Logan Thomas.
Next week, the playoff-bound Longhorns wrap up the regular season at home against San Angelo TLCA (4-5, 2-2), which is coming off a 34-27 win over Ballinger.
