The Yorktown Wildcats fell to the Granger Lions in the 2A Division II Area matchup in Giddings on Nov. 21, with a final score of 62–30.
Head Coach Ryan Knostman said, “Hats off to Granger, they played a heck of a game. They are extremely physical and talented. As for us, we couldn’t ask for a better start to the game, getting the onside kick and then going down and scoring. Unfortunately, we bogged down a little after that, and then we suffered several injuries that seemed to come one after another. It took us a while to figure it all out, but when the guys did, they fought back with the heart they have shown all year.”
The Wildcats struck first when senior Brody Metting kept the ball on a quarterback keeper and rushed fifteen yards into the end zone, putting Yorktown on the board early.
Granger quickly answered and came out in full force, putting up 15 points in the opening quarter while their stout defense limited the Wildcats’ opportunities. The second quarter proved most impressive for the undefeated Lions, as they added 33 more points. Yorktown responded with a touchdown of its own, including a big play trailing 35–6, when Metting connected with senior receiver Matthew Olguin, and he dashed for a 65yard touchdown. Both teams were sent into halftime with Granger leading, 48– 12.
In the third quarter, each team found the endzone once. Yorktown’s two-point conversion attempt failed, while the Lions converted a successful extra point. Trailing 48–12, Metting raced 25 yards into the end zone to score.
The Wildcats outscored Granger in the fourth quarter and held the Lions to just one score. Down 18– 55, Olguin scored his second touchdown after making a catch in the middle of the field, and McKenzie Yanta punched the ball in from the red zone to end the Wildcat scoring of the matchup, ultimately falling short, 62–30.
Despite the loss, the Wildcats showed resilience throughout the night and closed the year with a season to be proud of. Yorktown finishes the 2024 campaign with a 7–4 record, highlighting a year of growth.
“This is a special group — all year long,” Knostman said. “I knew that they wanted to be champions and be able to have their names on a gold ball, and they accomplished that. Their fight and determination that they showed game in and game out is what made them champions. The team will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Brody Metting scampers up the field against the Granger Lions. Contributed Photo
