Beavers riding 8-game streak into postseason; host Lavaca

GLEN ROSE -- Under the direction of former all-state running back and current first-year Head Coach Steven Kehner, the Glen Rose Beavers (8-2, 7-0) have been rolling through opponents in 2023.

After losing their first two games of the year in non-conference action, the Beavers followed that with eight straight wins and a conference championship.

Glen Rose is averaging 51 points per game during the streak, including three shutouts. The Beavers defense is allowing only 6 per game during that span and has not given up more than two touchdowns since losing to Malvern on Sept. 1.

The stellar season has landed the Beavers in the 3A playoffs with the top seed and a firstround match with Lavaca tonight.

Lavaca is currently struggling, losing three straight after winning six of its first seven during the regular season.

The Golden Arrows have been pummeled during the skid, losing by a combined score of 143-46.

Charleston smacked Lavaca in Week 10, winning 55-21 after being tied 14-14 after the first quarter. Charleston, though, would run off four touchdowns in the second frame to lead 42-21 at the break.

Lavaca would not score in the second half.

Charleston exposed Lavaca’s run defense, torching the Golden Arrows for 390 yards of the ground to go along with six touchdowns.

The Tigers also completed 17 of 23 passes for 144 yards and two more scores in the win.

Lavaca was held to 382 total yards -- 339 coming through the air. Lavaca ran 22 times for 43 yards and a score in the loss.

As for Glen Rose, the Beavers have evened out their offensive attack, establishing the run before beating teams over the top in the passing game.

Against Magnet Cove last week, the Beavers ran for 185 yards, led by Heath Ballance with 104 yards and two scores on only five touches.

Through the air, Gage Hood and Rein Bland combined to complete 6 of 9 passes for 122 yards and two touchdowns.

The Beavers were also perfect on third down, converting all three attempts in the win over Magnet Cove.

Tonight’s winner will earn a trip to the quarterfinals to face the winner of Perryville and Magnet Cove.

Kickoff is set for 7 tonight at Beaver Stadium in Glen Rose.

Highs are expected to be in the high- to mid50s at game time with a 10-percent chance of rain in the forecast.