DRIPPING SPRINGS — Dripping Springs High School opened its football season in commanding fashion Friday, Sept. 4, defeating San Antonio’s Harlan High School 42-7 at Tiger Stadium.
The Tigers controlled the game, while delivering a strong all-around performance in their long-awaited season debut. Dripping Springs’ original opener against Lake Travis was canceled, making the matchup against Harlan the Tigers’ first game of the season.
Dripping Springs head coach Galen Zimmerman said he was pleased with the effort, but acknowledged that the Tigers still have areas to improve.
“We talked to our kids about how we play and I was really proud of how we competed tonight,” Zimmerman said. “It was our first game, so there were some things we were a little sloppy at. We have some room for improvement, but our guys came out, competed and got after it.”
Despite the decisive victory, Zimmerman said the Tigers will focus on correcting their mistakes before their next game.
“There’s still some meat on the bone that we get to work on this weekend,” Zimmerman said. “We’ll get better and then go do it again next week.”
The coach said the program emphasizes how the Tigers approach each play, rather than focusing solely on the final score.
“We tell our kids that it’s how we do things, not what we do,” he said. “If we’re focused on that, then the scoreboard is going to take care of itself.”
Dripping Springs will travel to face Round Rock High School Friday, Sept. 11. Zimmerman expects the Dragons to provide a strong early-season test.
“Round Rock is always tough,” Zimmerman said. “They’re a good program and have a good team every year. They’re solid from top to bottom and they do things the right way. They’ve played some tough games early, as well, so they’re seasoned a little bit.”
After an extended wait to begin the season, Zimmerman said he was happy to see the Tigers finally return to competition.
“I’m just glad we’re playing football,” Zimmerman said. “It felt like camp lasted forever. I’m glad to be out here on the field with the boys and watch them play. It was fun tonight.”
