The Aubrey Chaparrals football team traveled to Sulphur Springs looking for their second win of the season but left Gerald Prim Stadium with their fourth loss of the season, falling to the Wildcats 45-14.
The Chaps kept it close in the first half, but the No. 6 ranked Wildcats pulled away in the second half on the arm of quarterback Deuce Timmons, who finished with 5 total touchdowns.
“Our kids certainly weren't intimidated to play Sulphur Springs, even though they knew how good they were,” said Keith Ivy, Aubrey athletic director and head football coach. “I thought we went toe-to-toe with them most of the night. It was a 17-7 game with a few minutes left in the first half, and outside a handful of penalties or bad plays or turnovers, it was an even contest, but unfortunately, we didn't get to win, which is always the ultimate goal.”
Sulphur Springs got on the scoreboard first with a 48-yard touchdown run in the first quarter by offensive weapon Jaxson Haire, taking a 7-0 lead after a successful extra point kick.
Aubrey responded with a goal line plunge from utility player Logan Gannon, tying the score at 7 all.
The Wildcats regained the lead near the end of the first quarter with a 33-yard field goal by kicker Eric Rodriguez and extended it with a 12-yard touchdown scamper from Timmons, putting Sulphur Springs up 17-7.
Aubrey moved the ball into Sulphur Springs territory late in the second quarter, but their drive stalled, and the Wildcats pounced on the opportunity when Timmons connected with Haire for a 37-yard touchdown strike.
Sulphur Springs led 24-7 at the half and outscored Aubrey 21-7 in the second half, with Timmons tossing touchdowns to Haire, Jaxon Virgel and Brody Dodd to take the win 45-14.
Defensive end Blake Wheeler was one of the bright spots for the Chaps defense, finishing with 8 tackles, 3 TFL, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery and 1 sack, followed by Gannon who had 6 tackles, 2 TFLs, 3 sacks and 1 forced fumble.
“Those two are good friends, and they complement each other,” Ivy said. “They push each other each and every day.”
Ivy spoke highly of Wheeler’s growth, with him being named the Chaps’ defensive MVP for the second week in a row.
“Blake’s really come on for us with his play and leadership this year,” he said. “Whether it's leading us on the field or on the sidelines during games, he just has a great attitude about the game, wants his teammates to be as good as they can possibly be, and ultimately wants to do whatever he can to help us win.”
The Chaps found themselves in a similar position last season, starting 0-2 in district before rallying to make the playoffs, and Ivy emphasized that he and his staff can draw from those lessons to help Aubrey’s young roster.
“As a coach and as a player, you have to remind yourself that even though you’re going through some tough times to stay the course,” he said. “Our program works, but there are no shortcuts. It’s all about putting in the work and believing in what we do. We have to stay true to that and continue to work hard each and every day.”
