The Aubrey Chaparrals picked up their first win of the 2025 season, defeating the Van Alstyne Panthers 29-19 on the road Sept. 19.
The Chaps had their best statistical performance of the season, with their offense generating over 350 yards while their defense held the Panthers to 170 yards on the day.
“I was super proud of our effort,” said Keith Ivy, Aubrey athletic director and head football coach. “Our defense limiting them to around 150 total yards of offense and 15 yards rushing was huge. Offensively, we didn’t cash in as much as we had hoped, but we were able to move the ball, and we controlled it for most of the game. I think this win was a big confidence builder for us going into district play.”
Aubrey found the end zone first when running back Jaxson Doramus ran the ball in from 4 yards out, putting the Chaps up 7-0 in the first quarter after a successful extra point kick.
Van Alstyne quarterback Brayden Miller answered with an 11-yard touchdown run, sending the two teams into the second quarter with the score tied at 7.
The Chaps retook the lead in the second quarter when fullback Logan Gannon powered his way into the end zone on a short goal line plunge, giving Aubrey the 14-7 lead, which the Chaps maintained into halftime.
The Panthers clawed their way back into the game when Miller connected with receiver Tanner Powers for a 78-yard touchdown pass, cutting the Chaps’ lead to 1 point after a missed extra point kick.
Van Alstyne took the lead when defensive back Gavin O’Neal made a house call on an interception returned for a touchdown, putting the Panthers on top 19-14 going into the Aubrey recovered from the pick-6 with a second touchdown run by Gannon and a successful twopoint conversion reception by tight end Drew Dondelinger, retaking the lead 22-19.
Chaps running back Connor Murphy closed the game with a 94-yard touchdown run, sealing the 29-19 win for Aubrey.
Aubrey’s offense piled up 274 yards rushing against the Panthers’ defense, led by running back Johnnie Johnson, who tallied 109 yards.
Johnson credited his performance to his preparation process and his blockers.
“I try to stretch every day to keep my lower body feeling right, but I couldn’t have done it without my [offensive] linemen,” he said. “We’re always talking to each other and making sure that we see the same things, and that was a big part of why we played so well.”
One of the Chaps leaders upfront, center Brayden Wood, said the unit’s ability to play together was the key to their success on the ground.
“We were dominating the interior, and our tackles didn’t give up any pressures,” he said. “The O-Line is a big part of this team, and the better we get, the better our team will be.”
On the defensive side of the ball, defensive lineman Blake Wheeler was selected as the game’s defensive MVP, finishing with 8 TOT TKLs, 1 FF, 1 FR, 2 sacks, and 3 QB hits.
“That was the result of a lot of film study, … but if I didn’t have my nose and tackle those gaps and those pressures wouldn’t be there,” he said.
Ivy said the Chaps celebrated their first win for a night but have already moved on to their matchup with Sulphur Springs.
“The sky’s the limit for this group,” he said. “They’re young and still growing, but I think gaining some confidence through that first win, especially the week before district play begins, is something we’re hoping will carry over into Friday.”
