The Red Raiders bounced back from an initial deficit to take down a sound White Oak team 43-12 in Week 2. Winnsboro is now 2-0 against nondistrict opponents. The team will host Lone Oak Thursday and head to Hooks for a Sept. 18 contest. The District 7-3A, Div. I, schedule opens Sept. 25 at Commerce.
“Defending the single wing made it a physical ball game for us. We made a lot of big plays on offense and defense. We just need to continue to improve each week. Young kids are getting better and we are developing more depth,” head football coach and boys athletic director Josh Finney said.
The Roughnecks took advantage of a first-quarter Winnsboro turnover to take an initial 6-0 lead. An uncharacteristic four-turnover game for the Raiders was brought to bear by a sharp Roughnecks defense.
Winnsboro equalized on a strike from quarterback Ky Caddell to wide receiver Kash Noble early in the second quarter. Running back Neree Castleberry scored from 11 yards out and again on a 20-yard romp, both in the second quarter. Winnsboro led 22-6 at halftime.
The Winnsboro defense supplied the offense with ample opportunities as well. With White Oak pinned deep, Karson McNeil bounded into the end zone for a safety, and Kolin Birdsong later blocked a Roughnecks punt to set Winnsboro up deep in Roughnecks territory. Both defensive plays led to Raider points. Chance Arrington closed out the second quarter with an interception.
Caddell scored on a 24-yard keeper to open the second half. A 14-yard touchdown pass to Noble and a 2-yard run by Catch Pope had the Red Raiders holding down a 36-12 lead with under four minutes to go in the third. Pope broke loose for the final touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
Caddell completed 13 of 17 attempts for 208 yards. Castleberry led the rushing effort with 18 carries for 158 yards and two touchdowns, and Pope kept things rolling with 111 yards on 13 carries and two touchdowns in the second half.
Noble had a breakout game with seven catches for 103 yards and a touchdown. RJ Woodfaulk caught four passes for 85 yards, and Ethan Young hauled in a pair for 20 yards. Rudy Calderon connected on five of six PATs.
Marshal Bassett turned in another strong performance as the Red Raiders’ leading tackler. The junior recorded 10 tackles, four for loss, plus three sacks. The Roughnecks surrendered seven sacks altogether, with McNeil, Eli Groter, Drake Palmer and Pope contributing. Linebacker Julian Moss was also notable with eight tackles, two for loss.
Lone Oak comes in for a Week 3 contest. The Buffaloes fell to a highly ranked Commerce team 49-6 in the opener before falling in a 28-27 nail-biter against Scurry-Rosser in Week 2.
Finney said Lone Oak is a solid team that runs a spread offense and a three-man front on defense. Sophomore quarterback Colt Bowman is a standout athlete boasting a 6-foot-4 frame. Running back Danny Barahona is averaging 117 yards rushing. Wide receiver Jackson Debord is another player to watch. Notable defensive performers include linebacker Haydin Shires, defensive lineman Braden Hooten and defensive back Gage Brumit.