by Story by Jake Hernandez
The Rangers outscored their opponents 271-68 before this game, holding three teams to seven points and keeping one scoreless. The margin for the Chargers is narrower, shelling out 266-165 points against their competition.
Both teams entered this game with a 6-1 record. With this win under their belt, the Smithson Valley Rangers are on pace to win their district.
Boerne-Champion controlled most of the first quarter, grabbing a quick 14-7 lead against the Rangers on a short run by running back Cole Riha and a 32-yard pass from quarterback Jordan Ballin to wide receiver Campbell DeBerry.
The Smithson Valley defense kept the Chargers in check, almost holding them at the goal line. The offense couldn’t come up with much, and penalties didn’t help their cause.
Junior running back Bradley Sowersby ran into the endzone for 14 yards for the Rangers’ only score in the first quarter.
The following quarter, Smithson Valley relied heavily on its running offense. The Rangers’ offensive line was able to open multiple gaps on the field, allowing their running backs to rush for two more touchdowns.
With 14 unanswered points, Boerne-Champion aimed to close the half with a score. After punting the ball, the Smithson Valley kick returner couldn’t maintain his grip. This allowed the Chargers to recover the fumble in Ranger territory.
After several short runs, Boerne-Champion quarterback Jordan Ballin aimed to throw to his receiver in the endzone with 90 seconds left. The Smithson-Valley secondary would read Ballin and intercept his pass to end the half.
A 15-yard passing touchdown from Rangers quarterback Ryland Walker to receiver Jackson Duffey put Smithson Valley up 28-14 in the third.
On the Charger’s drive, a delay of game penalty kept their chances of a first down out of reach. A short pass interception by Ballin was the nail in the coffin on Boerne-Champion’s drive.
After the Rangers lost possession from a sack on a turnover on downs, Ballin threw yet another interception on a 4th down pass, leading to a Smithson-Valley pick-six by their defense.
As if that wasn’t enough, the Boerne-Champion kick returner lost his hold on the ball right after Smithson-Valley’s score, resulting in the Rangers getting the ball right back in the Charger’s redzone.
A 6-yard pass from Walker to receiver Jackson Duffey put six more points on the board for Smithson Valley to start the fourth quarter.
The two opponents went back and forth for the remainder of the game. Ballin threw his 4th interception of the night, leading to a late 24-yard rushing touchdown by the Rangers, ending the game.
Smithson Valley inches closer to a district champion title, improving to 7-1. Boerne-Champion will drop to 6-2, losing their second straight game. This loss could cause the Chargers to drop in district standings and jeopardize their chances of securing the No. 1 seed.
Quarterback Ryland Walker led Smithson Valley with 137 passing yards and two touchdowns. Chargers’ Cole Riha made his presence known, running for 72 yards and a touchdown for himself.
The Rangers will stay at home to face the Hays Hawks (Buda, Texas) on Friday, October 27th. Boerne-Champions will hit the road and travel to Kyle, Texas and take the field against the Lehman Lobos the same night.
Ryland Walker , Smithson Valley for player of the week
Ryland Walker, Smithson Valley Rangers for player of the week.