Homecoming loss puts Lions at 6-1

By LPR Staff

Editor/POST-REGISTER

In their biggest test of the season, the Lions were outgunned by the Kerrville Tivy Antlers in front of a capacity Homecoming crowd on Friday night.

After honoring the Homecoming Court, including a special surprise for King Jamie Hennan and Queen Jade Lymas, the Lions took the field against one of

the highest-ranking Class 5A football teams in the state of Texas.

With both teams looking to defend their undefeated records and gain the edge on a District Championship, the air was filled with excitement as both teams took the field ready to dazzle a capacity crowd.

The Lion fandom brought more to the table than ever before, exploding with cheers the moment the Boys of Fall hit the field. While the excitement lasted well into the third quarter, concerns about the outcome for the Lions started to make themselves known almost immediately.

On their first scoring drive, the Antlers powered their way down the field for a touchdown, before even a minute could tick off the clock.

However, as Coach Brian Herman reminded the team, “that’s what we normally do.” Their heads held high, the Lions’ offense took to the field to push their way through Tivy’s nearly bulletproof defense, grappling for every yard before finally being forced to a 23-yard field goal attempt to put the Lions on the board on the short end of a 7-3 score.

The first half continued on that line, with the Lions working hard, but ultimately being outgunned by a stronger, faster squad. Despite several moments of spectacular football, the Antlers held the Lions to a season-low 17 points, while stacking up 52 of their own.

“We had some momentum killers that stopped us from capitalizing on some of our offensive possessions,” Coach Brian Herman said. “We moved the ball well at times, but just didn’t finish enough drives with points.”

Among those “momentum killers,” the Lions suffered several injuries, many as a result of hard, double-team hits from the Antlers’ defensive line.

Undaunted by the loss, though, the Lions are prepared to move forward to their next opponent, the Kennedy Rockets, who they will face at Edgewood Stadium on Friday night at 7:30 p.m.

“The kids had a good Saturday workout and rebounded well,” Herman said. “We control our destiny, but that still means we have to win to get into the playoffs.”

As District rankings continue to shake out, the Lions have been knocked out of Championship contention with the loss to Tivy. However, if the Lions continue to perform at the level fans have become accustomed to this season, a playoff run is likely, and a shot at the second-place spot in District is possible.

“I expect great focus, intensity and attitudes in practice this week,” Herman said. “Every game is crucial right now.”

After Kennedy, the Lions will host the Boerne-Champion Chargers, and then face the San Marcos Rattlers in their final game of the season.