Stormy weather blanketed the Conroe area Thursday, but it wasn’t enough to dampen the spirit of the Stratford Spartans as they faced off against the Conroe Oak Ridge War Eagles. Stratford unleashed a tempest of its own with a high-powered, rapid-scoring offense and a tenacious defense, overwhelming the War Eagles with a decisive 66-28 victory.

Hunter Biehl was the standout performer of the game, putting on a show that Spartan fans won’t soon forget. Biehl racked up 305 total yards from scrimmage and scored 4 touchdowns, dominating every aspect of the game. Stratford wasted no time in asserting control, scoring on its first two drives with Aaron DeLeon connecting with Biehl for touchdowns of 20 and 55 yards. The second touchdown drive was set up by a fumble forced by Tiergan Burl and recovered by Parker Johnson.

Stratford’s defense contributed to the early onslaught, with Eric Ferworn intercepting a pass on Oak Ridge’s next possession. Although Oak Ridge managed to score toward the end of the first quarter to make it 14-7, Stratford responded with a vengeance in the second quarter. A 7-play drive culminated in a 40-yard touchdown pass from DeLeon to Xavier Campbell. The lead quickly expanded as Biehl caught a 72-yard touchdown pass from DeLeon.

Oak Ridge briefly narrowed the gap with a one-play touchdown, but Biehl answered with a 67-yard kickoff return to set up Javi Denson’s 4-yard rushing touchdown. DeLeon further extended Stratford’s lead with a 29-yard run, showcasing his agility as he danced down the sideline. Following a quick 3-and-out by Oak Ridge, Johnathan Joseph Jr. returned a punt 40 yards, leading to Denson’s second rushing touchdown from 15 yards out.

Despite Oak Ridge's efforts to score before halftime, Parker Johnson's second interception of the season dashed those hopes. Stratford capitalized with a 2-minute drill, where DeLeon connected with Cody Hanlen for two 10-yard completions before hitting Hanlen for a 28-yard touchdown. The Spartans entered halftime with a commanding 56-21 lead.

The second half saw Oak Ridge manage a long scoring drive, only for Stratford to respond in kind with DeLeon finding Biehl for a 20-yard touchdown. The defensive unit held firm, forcing another turnover and limiting Oak Ridge’s scoring chances. The final score was capped by an Andrew Lumpkin 30-yard field goal, which could have been good from 50 yards out. Joseph Jr. ended the last Oak Ridge scoring threat with an endzone interception.

DeLeon had an impressive game, passing for 327 yards on 15-of-21 attempts with 6 touchdowns, while also rushing for 52 yards and a touchdown. Denson added 160 yards and 2 touchdowns on 16 carries. Biehl’s performance included 214 yards on 8 receptions and 4 touchdowns, plus 91 yards on kick returns. Campbell and Hanlen also contributed to the high-powered offensive performance, with Campbell catching 2 passes for 47 yards and a touchdown, and Hanlen adding 55 yards on 4 catches and a touchdown.

Defensively, Johnson led the team in tackles and added an interception, while Joseph Jr. contributed with an interception and a fumble recovery. Ferworn also had an interception, and Rayden Barnes and Burl each forced a fumble. The Spartans were flawless on extra points, finishing 9-for-9, and added a perfect 30-yard field goal. Stratford improved their record to 1-1 with a complete performance in all three phases of the game.

This Week: Your Stratford Spartans will face Kingwood at Tully on Saturday, September 14, at 6 pm for Turn It Gold Night, supporting the fight against childhood cancer. Be there to show your support and wear gold!

Be Early! Be Loud! Go Spartans!

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