The Jasper Bulldogs traveled to Whitehouse where they defeated the Waco Connally Cadets 23-20 in the bi-district playoff game.
Connally received the opening kickoff, but the Bulldogs defense held on the Cadets first possession and forced a punt. Jasper’s first possession went 10 plays, but ended with a turnover on downs. Connally finished a 65 yard drive, scoring on a 9-yard run. The Cadets missed the extra point kick and led 6-0 with 3:22 left in the first quarter.
Jasper went 68 yards in 12 plays on their next drive, scoring on a 24-yard pass from quarterback Zikeice Simmons to Kenyan Vidito. Ayden Garcia kicked the extra point and Jasper led 7-6 with 8:55 remaining in the first half. Connally quickly responded, needing only 45 seconds to retake the lead on a 45-yard run.
The Cadets made their extra point and led 13-7 with 8:10 left until halftime. Jasper fumbled and punted on their last two possessions of the quarter. Connally, looking to extend their lead going into halftime, attempted a pass that TyAnthony Smith intercepted and returned 50 yards for a pick-six with 18 seconds left on the clock. Garcia added the PAT and Jasper took the lead once again at 14-13 at halftime.
The Bulldogs took the second half kickoff and drove 82 yards in 10 plays to increase their lead. A bad snap on the PAT kick kept the score at 20-13.
Jasper’s next drive stalled inside the 15 yard line. Garcia kicked a 31 yard field goal and increased the lead to 23-13.
In the fourth quarter, both teams punted and Jasper looked to be ready to ice the game as they drove into the Cadets red zone. But Connally had a final spark as they stripped the ball and scored on an 85-yard return. The PAT kick made the score 23-20 with 3:57 left in the game. Jasper could not sustain a drive on their next possession and Connally had one final attempt to come away with the win.
“We make it interesting, but a win is a win,” Jasper coach Darrell Barbay said.
Jasper will face West Orange-Stark in the area round of the playoffs. The Mustangs routed LaMarque 49-0 to reach the second round. The two teams were scheduled to play in the regular season, but the game was cancelled due to an outbreak of COVID in the Jasper schools. The area round playoff match up will be Friday night at 7:30 p.m. at Beaumont ISD Memorial Stadium.