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Searching for its first win since the 2023 season finale, the Smithville football team’s losing streak increased to 14 games after the Tigers fell against the Caldwell Hornets, 4934, on Friday, Sept. 19.
Senior running back Justin Gurley led the Tigers offensively with five receptions for 99 yards and a touchdown. He also added a touchdown run.
Caldwell struck first, taking a 7-0 lead in the opening quarter. Smithville mounted a promising drive, but it stalled when Gurley fumbled after backto back 18-yard runs, and the Hornets capitalized on the turnover to extend their lead to 14-0.
Smithville answered in the second quarter when senior quarterback Tripp Davis connected with Gurley for a 36-yard touchdown pass to cut the deficit to 14-7. But Caldwell responded with a 21-7 run, pushing the Tigers into a 35-14 hole entering the fourth quarter.
Gurley tried to spark a comeback with a 34-yard touchdown run to make it 35-20, but the Hornets quickly countered with another score to go up 4220. Junior utility player Rorry Johnson added late fireworks with a 42-yard rushing touchdown and an 80-yard touchdown pass, but Smithville’s rally fell short.
The Tigers dropped to 0-4 this season and will look for their first win when they travel to Jarrell on Friday, Sept. 26, for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
