By Jim Irish
Photos by Dustyn Werner
Not every football game is packed with drama.
Last week, Bastrop rallied in the final four minutes to upset perennial powerhouse Liberty Hill 35-31 and captured its first district crown in 15 years that set off a huge celebration.
On Friday, the Bears (9-2) took care of business, jumping on San Antonio Lanier early and cruising to a 66-14 bi-district victory at Memorial Stadium.
"It sounds great. It hasn't been used around here in 14 years. I'm excited."
-- Bastrop head coach Jake Griedl about a bi-district title
The bi-district title was Bastrop’s first since 2010. It was also the Bears’ eighth consecutive victory
"It sounds great,” Bastrop head coach Jake Griedl said about the bi-district title. “It hasn’t been used around here in 14 years. We’re excited.”
As the District 11-5A Division II champions, Bastrop earned the first seed and home field advantage and played fourth-seeded Lanier (5-6). It was a mismatch.
"The beautiful thing about finishing first (in district) is you draw a lower seed,” Griedl said. “I’m glad to get a win. You either live or die. Tonight, we live."
"... I'm glad to get a win. You either live or die. Tonight, we live."
-- Griedl
Bastrop wide receiver Ramonz Adams is a dangerous weapon with his speed and athleticism. He scored the game’s first score on a 20-yard strike from sophomore quarterback Weston Nielsen. Early in the second, he struck again on a 27-yard from Nielsen.
Adams’ touchdown was set up by an interception by Bastrop defensive back Kian Pucek.
In the second quarter, Bastrop’s Cale Findlay picked off a pass from Lanier quarterback Dylan Llamas and returned it 40 yards for a 35-0 lead.
Miles Johnson, LaDainian Merino’s backup, caught a short pass from Nielsen and sped 47 yards to the end zone for a 42-0 advantage at halftime. Johnson displayed his speed again on a 29-yard burst in the third quarter.
Quintaelyn Joyner, who shifts from quarterback to running back, scored three touchdowns on runs of 1, 1, and 4 yards.
Merino scored from the 1 in the second quarter.
After a drive that consumed most of the fourth quarter, Isaac Duggar nailed a 30-yard field for Bastrop’s final points.
Nielsen had his most accurate game, completing 17-of-20 passes for 272 yards and four touchdowns.
Keyshon Moore hauled in six receptions for 91 yards, while Adams added five for 69 yards.
Lanier scored on a 54-yard fumble recovery in the third quarter. Against Bastrop’s substitutes, Markeis Dixon ripped off a 69-yard touchdown, also in the third.
The only negatives for Bastrop were lost fumbles by Merino and Johnson.
"Our quarterback and running backs' mesh was a little sloppier than I like,” Griedl said. “We’ll clean that up. The good news is that it didn’t hurt us. We have a week to work on it.
Bastrop next clashes with Fort Bend Marshall (9-2), a 51-14 winner in bi-district against University. They will meet at 7:30 p.m. on Friday at Waller High School.
Jim Irish is a freelance writer in Bastrop, Texas
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