San Antonio Express-News (Sunday)
Floresville and Smithson Valley win easily.
Quick take: The Floresville Tigers utilized their ground game and came up with big plays on both offense and defense in pounding the Southwest Dragons, 36-13, on Friday at Southwest Stadium. The Tigers’ offensive line opened holes for senior running back Dareion Murphy, who averaged 14.8 yards per carry, and provided enough time and protection for quarterback Braeden Fuller, who took advantage by throwing for three scores.
Highlights: Floresville (2-0) set the tone on the game’s opening drive by controlling the line of scrimmage and mixing it up offensively, which led to Fuller’s 5-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Cortez in the first quarter. The score capped a 12-play, 73-yard drive.
Southwest (0-2) came back on the ensuing possession, going 80 yards in 13 plays as Jake Friesenhahn scored on a 3-yard run on fourth down to get the Dragons to within 7-6.
However, on the ensuing point after attempt, Southwest botched the snap. Cortez, who also plays defensive back for the Tigers, scooped up the loose ball and sprinted 97 yards for the two-point conversion to put Floresville up 9-6.
Floresville increased its lead to 15-6 in the second quarter as Fuller found Preston Freeman on a fade route for an 11-yard score.
Late in the second quarter, the Dragons had a chance to narrow the Tigers’ lead, but Floresville linebacker Gavin LaFleur ruined that opportunity when he returned an interception 85 yards for a touchdown 42 seconds before halftime to increase the Tigers’ lead to 23-6.
Floresville sealed the game in the third quarter as Murphy scored on a 59-yard run, and Fuller found a wide-open Nate Luther for a 29-yard score with 1:53 left.
An interception by Southwest’s Joshua Garcia late in the fourth quarter set up an 8-yard touchdown run by Nathan Patesel with 2:30 left.
What it means: With the addition of Fuller, a senior transfer from California, the Tigers have found a player who complements the playmakers they already have, including Murphy.
In his first two games in Floresville, Fuller has already totaled 400 yards of offense,
passing and rushing.
For Southwest, it will need to limit its mistakes, especially on special teams. The Dragons botched a kickoff return and fumbled a snap on a point after that led to Floresville scoring two points.
Quotable: “We’re fortunate to have (Fuller),” Floresville coach Andrew Rohrs said. “We’re glad he’s a part of our team. He’s the
best-kept secret in South Texas right now.”
Game balls: For Floresville, Murphy rushed for 148 yards on 10 carries, which was bolstered by his 59-yard scoring run.
Fuller threw three touchdown passes to three different receivers and directed a Floresville offense that totaled 291 yards.
Running backs Friesenhahn and Lloyd Young were the two
bright spots for Southwest, combining for 192 rushing yards. Friesenhahn rushed for 106 yards, while Young gained 86 yards.
Up next: Southwest will face South San at 7 p.m. Friday at Southwest Stadium. Floresville hosts Southwest Legacy at 7 p.m. Friday at Eschenburg Stadium.