Saturday night’s Turn-It-Gold game, dedicated to raising awareness and funds for childhood cancer, saw a fantastic turnout from fans rallying behind this important cause and their Stratford Spartans. In an intense clash, the Spartans faced off against the undefeated Kingwood Mustangs, who were determined to preserve their perfect record. The game proved to be a thrilling contest of resilience and skill, ultimately requiring overtime for Stratford to secure a 44-38 victory.

The game began with a strong offensive push from Stratford. Quarterback Aaron DeLeon connected with Hunter Biehl for an 18-yard gain to the Kingwood 10-yard line. DeLeon would call his own number as he found a lane behind fullback Luke “Zuke” Zilafro to dash up the sideline for the score. The defense quickly responded, stifling Kingwood on their ensuing drive and giving Stratford’s offense another opportunity to extend the lead. One play later, Javi Denson burst through the middle for a 58-yard touchdown run. Kingwood managed to respond with an 8-play, 80-yard drive, closing the gap to 14-7 by the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter highlighted Stratford's opportunistic defense as they forced three turnovers, resulting in two crucial scores. Mac Greene recovered a fumble on the Kingwood 19-yard line, leading to another touchdown by Denson, making it 21-7. Although Kingwood managed a long drive resulting in a touchdown to narrow the lead, Johnathan Joseph Jr. capitalized on a deflected pass by Tiergan Burl, intercepting it and returning it 51 yards for a touchdown to push Stratford’s lead to 28-14. Parker Johnson added to the defensive effort with an interception just before halftime, sending Stratford into the break with a 28-14 lead.

Kingwood came out of the half with an answer, scoring on a deflected pass play that landed fortuitously in the hands of a Mustang receiver in the end zone. The teams exchanged punts, and Kingwood capitalized on a short field, driving 43 yards to square the game at 28-28. Kingwood’s dominance in the third quarter left Stratford struggling, setting up a tense final period.

In the fourth quarter, Stratford managed to regain the lead with an 11-play drive capped by a 26-yard field goal from Ricky Estrada, making the score 31-28. However, Kingwood answered with a field goal of their own and then took their first lead of the night, 38-31, following an interception in Stratford territory. With under two minutes remaining, DeLeon orchestrated a drive, finding Biehl for a 35-yard gain on an off-schedule throw. Stratford would score twice, but only get credit once due to a holding penalty on a beautiful pass from DeLeon to Denson on a wheel route up the sideline. DeLeon would deliver with a scramble to his right and throw off his back foot to a wide-open Anderson Dinh to tie the game 38-38 and send it into overtime.

In the overtime period, the teams alternated drives from the 25-yard line. Stratford won the coin toss and chose to play defense first. The defense stepped up, with Will Koerner delivering a crucial sack that forced Kingwood into a fourth-down situation. Kingwood attempted a wide receiver screen, but it was effectively shut down by Greene and Johnson. Stratford would put its money on Denson behind a pulling Foard Polley, with runs of 19 yards and 6 yards from Denson to hit pay dirt, sealing a 44-38 victory.

Denson led the way for the offense rushing for 125 yards and three touchdowns on 19 carries, adding 17 yards on three receptions. DeLeon would finish with 295 total yards, with 214 yards through the air and 81 yards and one touchdown on 14 carries. DeLeon connected with five receivers: Cody Hanlen 6 for 65 yards, Denson 3 for 17 yards, Biehl 2 for 83 yards, Xavier Campbell 2 for 18 yards, and Dinh 1 for 31 yards and a touchdown. The offensive line put up a solid performance against a strong, quick front seven for Kingwood, allowing no sacks and paving the way for 206 yards of rushing. The offensive line battering mates were Polley, Kenny White, Armando Castro, Ryan Griggs, and Clayton Nonhoff.

The defense played its guts out, creating turnovers and stiffening its back when it needed it most. Johnson once again led the team in tackles with 18 and added an interception. Greene would add 13 tackles, a fumble recovery, and a pass deflection. Peter Vescovo came into the game and put 11 Kingwood players to the ground. Joseph Jr. had another highlight-worthy play with his 51-yard pick six, letting offenses know they need to find another side of the field to attack. Burl, Rayden Barnes, Eric Ferworn, and Jack Boyce put together strong nights from their respective positions.

Stratford’s dramatic win improves their record to 2-1, demonstrating their ability to prevail in a fiercely competitive game against a physical opponent.

This Week: Your Stratford Spartans have a bye week before returning to the gridiron to start District play against Cy Creek at 7 pm on Friday, September 27th at Pridgeon.

Be Early! Be Loud! Go Spartans!

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