Winnable game slips through Bastrop's grasp 27-24

Bastrop wide receiver Keyshon Moore was explosive against China Springs with 12 catches for 192 yards

By Jim Irish

Photos by Jim Irish

Bastrop High School had an opportunity to remain undefeated after Week 2, but China Springs, a Class 4A program with a strong tradition, had other plans.

The Cougars, a 4A state football champion two of the past three years, showcased a disciplined offense and a stout defense in a non-district victory over the Bears 27-24 at Memorial Stadium on Friday.

“Nothing against China Springs, they played outstanding football,” Bastrop head coach Jake Griedl said. “When we lose by three points, and we miss a field goal before the half. We have four turnovers and don’t create any turnovers. It’s hard not to look in the mirror and say, ‘What went wrong?’  Ultimately, it starts with me and our coaching staff.

“We played how we practiced, and I let it happen. We should have fixed (issues at practice) on Monday and Tuesday. It bit us on the butt.”

"We played how we practiced, and I let it happen. We should have fixed (issues at practice) on Monday and Tuesday. It bit us on the butt."

-- Bastrop coach Jake Griedl

Bastrop (1-1) led at halftime 9-6, scoring on an 18-yard run by LaDainian Merino and a safety after China Springs was caught in its own end zone. China Springs, meanwhile, hit two short field goals by Joseph Dickerson.

But the Cougars (1-1) owned the third quarter, scoring twice on sustained drives and forging ahead 20-9. Matthew Battles, a senior quarterback, scored from the two and running back Chrishon Gregory on a pitchout from the 19.

“In the third quarter, our offense didn’t do enough to give our defense a break, and our defense got gassed,” Griedl said.

Battles and Gregory provided the offensive spark for the Cougars. Battles proved elusive on the run, gaining 118 yards on 23 carries and scoring two touchdowns. The swift Gregory dashed for 123 on 16 attempts and scored once.

“We knew (Battles) was going to be a player,” Griedl said. “China Springs is not going to put anyone at quarterback. They find their best kid, and they create quarterbacks out of them. What made him really good are all the quarterback power options they run. He’s one of the most dangerous guys with the ball in his hands.”

Not blessed with a lethal arm, Battles, nevertheless, completed 10 of 16 passes for 94 yards and no interceptions.

Bastrop missed an opportunity to jump on China Springs early. Sophomore quarterback Weston Nielsen threw long to Keyshon Moore running a post pattern, but the accurately thrown ball slipped through Moore’s arms.

A facemask penalty by Bastrop in the third quarter on third and seven gave China Springs a first down that culminated in a touchdown.

Bastrop sophomore Weston Nielsen threw for 350 yards but was saddled with three interceptions

China Springs frequently flushed Nielsen out of the pocket, resulting in three interceptions and one fumble. Griedl said the ball should be out of Nielsen’s hands before he’s chased from the pocket.

“What can we do to get the ball out of his hands quicker?” Griedl asked. “The kid was trying to make plays, I love that because he’s a competitor.

“You gotta know when you need to be Clark Kent and when you need to be Superman. Sometimes, you need to be Clark Kent and throw the ball away. There are other times when you put the cape on and try to be Superman. That comes with experience. As high a (college) recruit as he is, (that) was still only the fifth varsity game that he’s played because of injuries last year.”

"... Sometimes you need to be Clark Kent and throw the ball away. There are other times when you put the cape on and try to be Superman."

-- Griedl

Nielsen turned to the short pass in the second half with success. He completed 27 of 45 passes for 350 yards. 

Moore was the primary target, catching 12 passes for 192 yards and touchdowns of 27 and 14 yards. He gained 42 yards on a reception on the final play of the game but fell short of the goal line.

China Springs’ defense prevented Bastrop rushers from gaining traction. Quintaelyn Joyner and Merino rushed for 38 and 37 yards, respectively.

“We gotta get him more involved,” said Griedl about the fleet Joyner, who had surgery and missed almost the entire season last year.

Bastrop travels to the Dallas area to face Prestonwood Christian at 7 p.m. on Friday.

Jim Irish is a freelance writer in Bastrop, Texas