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AUSTIN — The Elgin Wildcats varsity football team picked up its first win of the season with a dominant 63-7 victory over the Austin Northeast Raiders on Saturday, Sept. 5, at House Park.
The victory came after a disappointing offensive performance in Elgin’s season opener against Manor, when the Wildcats fell 30-14. Elgin bounced back in a big way against Northeast, finding its rhythm offensively and putting together a strong performance on both sides of the ball.
Freshman JC Keller led Elgin’s rushing attack with 125 yards and two touchdowns, while senior athlete Jaxen Malek and Brandon Sorrells also found the end zone.
The victory moved Elgin to 1-1 on the season as it now turns its attention to a road matchup against rival Taylor at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11.
Taylor enters the matchup with a 2-0 record after opening the season with back-to-back wins. The Ducks defeated Austin Eastside Early College 40-20 before earning a 49-30 victory over Burnet on Friday.
Junior quarterback Johnny Guzman has helped lead Taylor’s explosive for 190 yards and four touchdowns against Burnet. Sophomore wide receiver Jeremiah Caldwell caught all four of Guzman’s touchdown passes and now has seven touchdown receptions through the first two games.
Elgin’s defense will have its hands full trying to slow down a Taylor offense that has scored 89 points through two games. Seniors Andre Simmons and Trey Flores will look to lead the Wildcats’ defense as Elgin tries to limit the Ducks’ big-play ability.
On the other side of the ball, Elgin could look to take advantage of Taylor’s struggles against the run. The Ducks have allowed more than 150 rushing yards per game, which could give Keller an opportunity to build on his two-touchdown performance against Northeast.
Sophomore quarterback Tanner Modersette also showed signs of improvement in Elgin’s win and will look to continue developing as the Wildcats prepare for the rivalry matchup.
For Elgin, limiting turnovers, establishing the run and continuing to improve offensively will be key against the undefeated Ducks. The Wildcats will look to carry the momentum from Saturday’s win into Taylor and move above .500 on the season.
