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Offense averaging more than 60 points per game
Carter Bordwell
carter.bordwell@granitemediapartners. com
BASTROP — The Bears are five games in, undefeated and poised to break through the district with one of the most explosive offenses in Central Texas.
Bastrop will aim to keep that momentum alive when it travels to face the Pf lugerville Connally Cougars (2-4, 1-1 in district) Thursday, Oct. 9. Both teams are coming off a bye week — the Bears rolled past Mc-Callum 69-7 before the break, while the Cougars handled Crockett 62-14.
The Bears (5-0, 2-0 in district) have averaged more than 60 points per game, powered by junior quarterback Weston Nielsen, who has thrown for 1,456 yards and 18 touchdowns. Junior receiver Dallas Crescenzo has emerged as Nielsen’s top target, bringing in more than 600 yards and seven touchdowns.
Senior athlete Gary Jefferson has been a major contributor, ranking second on the team in receiving yards while rushing for more than 500 yards and nine touchdowns. Nielsen has also shown mobility with 169 rushing yards and one touchdown on the year.
With Bastrop’s weapons, the Bears could look to exploit a Cougars defense that has struggled to slow down opponents on the ground. Connally has allowed nearly 39 points per game, including 702 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in a loss to Liberty Hill earlier this season.
Connally’s offense averages more than 40 points per game. The roster is led by quarterback Jase Watkins, who has thrown for 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns while adding 400 rushing yards and four scores.
The Bears’ defense has shown improvement following some early-season struggles, allowing fewer than 10 points per game over its last two contests. Senior linebacker Tiki Hola anchors the unit and will be key in containing Watkins and the Cougars’ dual-threat offense.
For Bastrop to avoid an upset, the Bears will need to continue playing disciplined football. Turnovers have not been an issue so far this season, but maintaining focus with a clean, physical game will be crucial against a team capable of taking advantage of mistakes.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Connally High School.
