Given the outcomes last week, activating bounce-back mode will be part of the mission for Killeen ISD’s football teams during Week 4.
After outlasting Ellison (1-2) in a classic all-KISD clash, 41-35, on Sept. 12 at Leo Buckley Stadium, Shoemaker (3-0) stands as the lone unbeaten team across KISD entering the final week of non-district action for District 12-6A squads.
The Eagles’ narrow defeat to their KISD counterparts –– in which they nearly shook off a 22-point deficit –– was one of four KISD setbacks last week by seven points or less.
On Sept. 11, the Killeen Kangaroos (0-3) shut out Lake Belton in the second half of a 28-21 loss, while the Chaparral Bobcats (2-1) dropped a stinging 13-12 contest at Lampasas and the Harker Heights Knights (2-1) fell just shy against host and 16th-ranked Dripping Springs, 31-26, on Sept. 12.
Two home games and two on the road are on tap this week.
Week 4 matchups
Knights finally get a home game
After starting the season with three consecutive road games that required 406 round-trip miles, Harker Heights will make its home debut at 7 p.m. Thursday, at Leo Buckley Stadium against Midlothian (2-1).
For the second straight game, the Knights have an opportunity to avenge a 2024 defeat. Last season, the Panthers knocked off Heights in stunning fashion with a last-second Hail Mary touchdown that gave them a 47-45 victory.
Midlothian has won two straight (Ennis and Dallas Kimball) after an opening 36-21 loss to Cedar Hill.
The Knights enter this year’s tilt averaging almost 48 points and 553 yards on offense. Their defense is allowing averages of 22 points and 285 yards.
Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/468ffrky
Next week: At Waco Midway (12-6A opener)
Grey Wolves finally on the road
Shoemaker ventures away from the friendly confines of Joseph L. Searles III and Leo Buckley stadiums for the first time this season at 7 p.m. Thursday when they take on Waco University at Waco ISD Stadium.
The Grey Wolves can start 4-0 for the first time since the 2020 season. After they dropped their season opener to Keller Central, the Trojans (2-1) defeated Granbury and China Spring.
Shoemaker rushed for 382 yards in its win over Ellison, boosting its average in that statistical category to 283.3 yards per game.
Fans who can't make it to Waco on Thursday can watch the game on Central Texas CW or stream it on the KWTX website.
Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/4k67yswz
Next week: at Temple (12-6A opener)
Eagles packing their bags
Like the Grey Wolves, the Eagles this week –– after three games in a row at Leo Buckley Stadium –– get their first taste of the road when they head north for a 7 p.m. Friday kickoff against Red Oak.
Each of Ellison’s first three games were decided by six points or less. After dipping into a 22-0 deficit against the Grey Wolves last week, the Eagles managed to get within six by the final whistle after outscoring Shoemaker 21-0 in the fourth quarter.
Red Oak (1-2) defeated Colleyville Heritage in its opener before back-to-back losses to Arlington Seguin and Cedar Hill.
Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/5n95435m
Next week: Versus Odessa High (non-district at Shotwell Stadium, Abilene)
Roos ready for Brenham
Killeen’s defense –– which hasn’t given up a second-half point in back-to-back games –– is surrendering an average of 25 points through three contests and will aim to employ a stout effort against the visiting Cubs, who’ve twice posted 49 points this season.
Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. Friday at Leo Buckley Stadium.
Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/4ar2bjwh
Next week: Versus Copperas Cove (12-6A opener)
Rest and recharge
The Bobcats were oh-so close to entering its idle date at 3-0 but will settle for a 2-1 record and plenty of momentum with District 8-5A-I action commencing in two weeks.
Before they travel to Gupton Stadium for a matchup with Cedar Park on Sept. 25, Chaparral, which has been stingy on defense (14.3 points allowed per game), will spend the next 10 days fine-tuning for the district haul.
Week 3 stat standouts
· EHS quarterback Marlyn Smith: 22-of-31 passing for 267 yards and two TDs; 18 carries, 85 yards, three TDs
· SHS quarterback De’Mani Dail-Addison: Eight-of-12 passing for 193 yards, two TDs
· SHS running back/wide receiver Brandon Brown Jr.: 13 carries, 119 yards, one TD
· SHS wide receiver Jamal Polite Jr.: Four catches, 172 yards, two TDs
· SHS running back Josiah Walker: Seven carries, 139 yards, one TD
· KHS running back Jatavion Harris: 11 carries, 101 yards
· KHS running back Amari Paige: Eight carries, 82 yards, two TDs
· CHS wide receiver Marcus Majors: Four catches, 96 yards
· CHS quarterback Bryson Coleman: 179 yards passing, 58 yards rushing
· HHHS quarterback Hudson Humble: 23-of-39 for 304 yards, three TDs
· HHHS running back Jaylen Mason: 11 carries, 101 yards
· HHHS wide receiver Arshawn Spann: Six catches, 101 yards, one TD
· HHHS wide receiver Ryan Taylor: Four catches, 100 yards
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