District 4-3A Div. II Week 1 Report: Badgers open with tough win over Reagan County

Merkel 24, Reagan County 15 — Merkel overcame three turnovers to defeat a Reagan County team expected by many to challenge for a playoff spot. 

The Badgers played a possession game, rushing for 185 yards on 43 carries to put away the Owls. 

Joey Zink led the way for Merkel (1-0), rushing for 118 yards, throwing for 93 and accounting for three touchdowns. 

Abernathy 28, Shallowater 16 — Jess Hoel threw for 230 yards and three scores and rushed for 55 yards and another touchdown to lead the Antelopes over perennial power Shallowater. 

Anthony White was the top target of Hoel, catching five passes for 103 yards and one score.

Shallowater outgained Abernathy 347-316 but was hurt by a pair of turnovers. 

Idalou 25, Denver City 0 — Idalou’s defense led the way with a dominant effort, holding Denver City to just 25 yards in total offense, including a minus-5 rushing tally. 

Landin Fulcher threw for 62 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 32 in a sloppy game that saw five turnovers committed by both clubs.

Lubbock Roosevelt 14, Amarillo River Road 6 — Roosevelt broke a 6-6 tie with a fourth quarter touchdown and limited River road to just 229 yards to get the win. 

Roosevelt won, despite finishing with no passing yards.  All 256 yards gained by the Eagles were on the ground. 

Stanton 21, Grape Creek 7 — The Buffaloes forced four turnovers and limited Grape Creek to 123 yards in total offense to start the season at 1-0.

Miguel Moreno, Ryan Andler and Kameron Isemann all had rushing touchdowns for the Buffs. 

Cougar Jetton was the top gainer for Grape Creek, rushing for 64 yards on six carries. 

Isaiah Briones had the Eagles’ lone score, finding the end zone on a 15-yard run with 59 seconds to play.

Forsan 35, Coahoma 14 — For a full report on this game, please read Brandon McAuliffe’s game story.