Football Recap: Ballinger Bearcats vs. Merkel Badgers
Ballinger had to travel to play their first game of the season, but the final result was worth the trip. They enjoyed a cozy 28-10 win over the Merkel Badgers on Friday. The victory was a breath of fresh air for the Bearcats as it put an end to their ten-game losing streak dating back to last season.
Ballinger's win was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from Kyson Burleson, who rushed for 53 yards and a touchdown on only five carries, and also threw for 27 yards and a touchdown. Burleson got the majority of those yards when he took off on a run and that went for an incredible56 yards. Aiden Pena handled things on the ground, rushing for 126 yards and a rushing touchdown.
Pena wasn't the only one working in the rushing yards department: Ballinger was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 269 rushing yards. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Merkel only rushed for -16.
Ballinger's defense was in the mix too, especially the secondary: they snagged three passes before it was all said and done. It was truly a group effort as Coleman King, Hunter Kresta, and Burleson picked up one apiece.
Ballinger will look to take advantage of their home-field for the first time this season as they take on Christoval at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Ballinger is out to stop a five-game streak of losses at home dating back to last season. As for Merkel, they will hit the road for the first time this season to square off against Bangs at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The two teams are at an even 3-3 against one another since October of 2014.
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