The atmosphere at Gobbler Stadium on the night of Friday, Sept. 12, was electric as fans gathered for the muchanticipated rivalry game between the Cuero Gobblers and the Yoakum Bulldogs. With a crowd buzzing with excitement, everyone knew they were in for a memorable night of high school football.
As the game kicked off, it didn’t take long for the scoreboard to light up. Gobbler quarterback Jaxxon Marie connected with Jordan Jones on a perfectly executed toss, putting the Gobblers ahead at 7-0 early in the first quarter. The Gobbler fans in the stands barely had time to celebrate because the Bulldogs quickly responded. Yoakum’s Jace Morales showcased his speed and agility, returning the ensuing kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown, leveling the game at 7-7.
The Gobblers regrouped and took control again when running back Melo Perez dove into the end zone with just 1:18 remaining in the first quarter, after an impressive series of runs from Jones and short passes to Chris Mathis and Walker Dietze. This effort to push the score to 14-7 drew more cheers from the Gobbler fans, who were in full support of their team.
Defensively, the Gobblers showed their grit by shutting down the Bulldogs on a crucial fourth-and-one situation during Yoakum’s drive, allowing the Gobblers to regain possession on their own 30yard line. Capitalizing on the momentum, Jones added another touchdown with a powerful run up the middle, bringing the score to 217. Yoakum’s Morales again sped down the field on the kick off, with the extra point hitting the upright, bringing the score to 21-13 with 7:29 left in the half.
In true rivalry form, the excitement in the first half did not end there. Following a robust defensive stand from the Gobblers on third and one, Yoakum was forced to punt with about two minutes left in the half. In a dazzling display of athleticism, Mathis caught a onehanded pass in the end zone, but the subsequent extra point attempt was blocked and returned for two points by Yoakum, ending the half at a score of 27-15 in favor of the Gobblers.
The second half began with the Bulldogs quickly gaining ground. Yoakum running back Germarquis Robinson bulldozed through defenders to score a touchdown, narrowing the gap to 27-21. As momentum swung in favor of the Bulldogs, another scoring drive culminated in a touchdown for Yoakum’s Ja’shawn Brooks, flipping the score to 28-27 late in the third quarter.
Undeterred, the Gobblers fought back. On the ensuing kickoff, D’Zayvin Bonner executed a perfectly timed reverse to Dietze, who surged to the 50-yard line as the third quarter ended. In the final quarter, Marie showed his versatility by keeping the ball for a rushing touchdown and following it up with a two-point conversion, once again placing the Gobblers ahead at 35-28. Marie noted, “The offensive line played great. They blocked well and opened up holes for me and the running backs, and also allowed for me to pass the ball.”
As the clock ticked down, the Gobbler defense stepped up. Aiden Strecker made a critical breakup on a long pass intended for Morales, setting the stage for one last impressive play from Marie, who sprinted for his second touchdown of the night. With the score now 42--28, the Gobblers recovered an unexpected onside kick to secure their victory and move to 3-0 on the season.
Joining in on the celebrations are both the JV and Freshman Gobbler Football teams, as they also remain undefeated after victories over the Yoakum Bulldogs and Victoria, respectively. It’s a thrilling time for the Gobbler football program and the Gobbler fans! This week, the Gobblers will take their unbeaten record to Corpus Christi Miller at Buccaneer Stadium on Friday, September 19.
