Submitted report
Fourteen fourth quarter points, paired with a last-second defensive goal line stand, propelled the Wimberley Texans to a thrilling 24-22 season opening comeback win Friday over the rival Canyon Lake Hawks.
Wimberley (1-0), ranked no. 4 in the Class 4A, Division II state poll, trailed Canyon Lake 20-10 after three quarters before storming back into contention. Texan senior quarterback Matthew Tippie spurred the rally by tossing a 53-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Ty Pruett, cutting Canyon Lake’s lead to 20-17 with ten minutes left in the contest.
A turnover on downs forced by the Texan defense on the ensuing Canyon Lake drive breathed life into Wimberley’s comeback attempt late in the fourth quarter. Tippie and the Texans took advantage by marching 77 yards on seven plays, capped off with an eight-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Christian Marshall, which gave the Texans a slim 24-20 lead with 96 seconds left.
However, Canyon Lake’s run-oriented offense needed less than a minute to knock on the door of the end zone, reaching the Texan three-yard line. But four straight critical plays by the Texan defense at the goal line kept Canyon Lake from tallying a go-ahead score. Canyon Lake’s final points were tallied via safety with six seconds left.
Tippie went 13 of 22 for 214 yards, two touchdowns and an interception passing, while also rushing for 35 yards and a touchdown. Olmedo rushed for 58 yards on eight carries, while Marshall led the Texans with 83 yards on five catches and a score.
Canyon Lake quarterback Peyton McMullen went 7 of 15 for 155 yards passing, while running back Jesse Horner gained 65 yards on 19 carries and two touchdowns.
