SAN ANTONIO — The Dripping Springs High School football team advanced to the University Interscholastic League (UIL) 6A Regional Finals after winning the semifinal matchup 45-14 against the Medina Valley High School Panthers Friday, Nov. 28.
The Tigers came into the contest with an 11-1 record and the Panthers brought a record of 10-2.
The Tigers struck first on a 21-yard pass from quarterback Chase Ames to wide receiver Merrik Bloomgren. The Panthers answered and went on a long and methodical drive, which resulted in a 1-yard touchdown run. The first quarter ended with the tied score of 7-7.
In the second quarter, the Tigers scored two additional touchdowns and the defense held the Panthers scoreless in the second quarter. The halftime score was Tigers 21, Panthers 7.
Then, in the third quarter, the Panthers kicked off to the Tigers and they immediately started where they left off in the second quarter. The Tigers scored another touchdown, Ames to Cooper Reid on a 2-yard pass and another 3-yard pass by Ames to Jaceton Gotta. The end of the third quarter was 35, Panthers 7.
In the fourth quarter, Ames was on target to Bloomgren on a 64-yard touchdown pass and the score was Tigers 42, Panthers 7. Subsequently, the Tigers kicked off after the touchdown and the Tigers defensive lineman Major Bettridge recovered a fumble on the Panther 27-yard line. The Tigers took possession and the drive resulted in a 30-yard field goal by Tigers' kicker Ian French.
After a hard-fought regional semifinal matchup, the final score was Tigers 45, Panthers 14.
The Tigers advanced to the UIL 6A regional finals to take on the Vandegrift High School Vipers. Earlier in the season, the Tigers opened their schedule with a non-district game with the defending 6A D2 Champions, the Vipers, and won 41-14.
The Vipers are currently 11-2 and won over the San Marcos High School Rattlers last week with a final score of 24-7.
The Tigers and Vipers rematch will be held at the Alamodome at 3 p.m. Dec. 6 for the UIL 6A D2 regional finals championship.
Notable Offensive Stats –
Ames: 18 attempts/18 completions for 312 yards and 6 touchdowns
Pete Fredenburg: Four carries for 33 yards
Bloomgren: Four receptions for 105 yards and two touchdowns
Reid: Seven receptions for 95 yards and two touchdowns
James Montgomery: Five receptions for 105 yards and one touchdown
Notable Defensive Stats –
Bettridge with a fumble recovery
