The Somerset Bulldogs will head out on the road to face off against the La Vernia Bears at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Somerset is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Friday. They took their game with ease, bagging a 70-26 win over Manor New Tech. Given the Bulldogs' advantage in MaxPreps' Texas football rankings (they are ranked 313th, while Manor New Tech are ranked 948th) , the win wasn't entirely unexpected.
Somerset relied on the efforts of John Alvarez, who gained 98 total yards and three touchdowns, and Kaleb Flores, who threw for 157 yards and two TDs. Mikey Gonzalez got in on the action too, converting a pick into a touchdown.
Somerset didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Kaden Isbell and Gonzalez. Gonzalez got in on the action too, converting a pick into a touchdown.
Meanwhile, La Vernia never let their opponents score on Thursday. They breezed past Hidalgo Early College to the tune of 78-0. Winning may never get old, but the Bears sure are getting used to it with their ninth in a row.
Somerset better keep an eye on TY CARTER. He was instrumental in La Vernia's win, rushing for 181 yards and six scores on only eight carries. Those six rushing touchdowns gave CARTER a new career-high. RILEY SALMON was another major influence, as he rushed for 105 yards and ran in a TD.
La Vernia was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 402 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 247 rushing yards in four consecutive matchups.
Special teams played a big role in the game for La Vernia, adding 16 points to the final score. The biggest highlight from special teams (and perhaps the team as a whole) came courtesy of SEAN GARZA, who ran a punt back for a touchdown.
Somerset's record now sits at 9-2. As for La Vernia, their record is now 10-1.
Friday's contest might be decided on the ground. Somerset has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 148.6 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like La Vernia struggles in that department as they've been averaging 239.8 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's game turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Somerset was able to grind out a solid victory over La Vernia in their previous matchup back in November of 2022, winning 23-13. Will the Bulldogs repeat their success, or do the Bears have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
