Staff Report
LOCKHART – On a Friday where offensive fireworks were plentiful, the Dripping Springs Tigers’ arsenal ultimately shined brightest.
A five touchdown, 403-yard passing performance from sophomore Tiger quarterback Austin Novosad played a vital role in helping Dripping Springs outlast the Lockhart Lions in a historic 76-40 shootout.
Altogether, Dripping Springs and Lockhart combined for 1,371 total yards across 140 plays in the contest. The Tigers shouldered most of the load by gaining a single-game school record 844 total yards, shattering the previous record (671) which had stood for 50 years.
In addition, Dripping Springs 76 point outburst is now the most ever scored by a Tiger team in a single game, breaking the previous mark of 70 points set in 2018.
Dripping Springs (2-1) rapidly leapt out to a 34-6 lead at halftime aided by a 77-yard touchdown pass from Novosad to wide receiver Cameron O’Banan. Dripping Springs continued the onslaught early in the third quarter by scoring an additional 14 unanswered points to take a 48-6 lead.
O’Banan finished with a school-record 265 yards receiving on 10 catches and five touchdowns. Novosad went 20 of 29 for 403 yards passing and five scores, while running back Hunter Miller gained 193 yards rushing on 12 carries and three touchdowns. Tiger running back Parker Alford rushed for 172 yards on 13 carries and a trio of scores.
However, Lockhart woke up its explosive offense and went toe-to-toe with Dripping Springs, cutting the Tiger lead to 62-34 early in the fourth quarter.
A 55-yard touchdown pass from Novosad to O’Banan, along with a 48-yard touchdown run by Miller late in the fourth frame put the game away.
On defense, Tiger Sean Chapman led the way with five total tackles and four assists. Dripping Springs kicker Coleman Chapman was a perfect 11 for 11 on extra points in the game.
Dripping Springs returns to action Oct. 23 when they host New Braunfels Canyon to open district play.
