SAUNDERS: Drama abounds in six-man football entering final week

Each week, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football six-man insider Leman Saunders offers his thoughts on the six-man weekend that was. -Jonesboro proved they are truly a force to be reckoned with once again out east in division one. The Eagles soared past Zephyr to clinch their district title with a powerful 60-12 mercy rule victory. Jonesboro jumped out early leading 30-6 at the end of the first quarter and their defense prevented Zephyr from being able to crawl back into the game. Wyatt Young led the ground attack for Jonesboro (9-111, 2 TDs), but leading scorer was Ethan Lilljedhal who with three scores to his credit, two on the ground and a big 69 yard pick six on defense. Andy and Alex Sarmiento also played critical roles in the win. In the most unpredictable region in class 1A it is clear that Jonesboro has the potential to win it and possibly represent the East in the state title game for the second straight season. -McLean beat out White Deer to force a big showdown with Happy for the DI district 1 title this week. The Tigers played with a chip on their shoulder from the opening whistle scoring first and never relinquishing the lead to win 50-36. RB Ben Crocker (25-163 yards, 3 TDs) and QB Cayden Mann (8-12-1 for 133 yards, 1 TD) provided the offensive power for McLean while Chism Henderson (16 tackles, 1 INT, 1 FR) and Dalton Abshire (11 tackles, 1 INT) were the big defensive standouts. -Milford beat Oakwood 118-71 in the high scoring game of the week. After Milford jumped out to a 32-0 lead Oakwood’s offense woke up and basically matched the Bulldogs score for score from them on. However, the early deficit was too big of a hole for the Panther to climb out of as they ultimately lost via the mercy rule late in the game. Both teams had players with amazing offensive performances; Milford’s Taron Smith was responsible for 536 yards of total offense and 14 touchdowns, scoring eight himself while throwing six more; Oakwood’s Ethan Edgemon racked up 630 yards of total offense and was responsible for nine touchdowns (five passing, four rushing). -Speaking of gaudy stat lines, Grandfalls-Royalty QB Jalen Helms was for 26-35-0 for passing and threw for 476 yards and nine touchdowns while also picking up 33 yards on the ground as the Cowboys defeated Sierra Blanca 76-30. The victory sets up a big district showdown with Balmorhea for the championship. Helms also had a big night on defense leading his team with 12 tackles and two INTs. -Garden City rolled in their big district showdown with Sterling City winning in dominant fashion 54-8. The win locks up the district title for Garden City and it is safe to say the Bearkats have emerged as a formidable foe for Borden County in DI region two as we get ready for the playoffs. -Morton gets a big 70-0 halftime mercy rule win at home over Lubbock Kingdom Prep. For Morton, who announced four weeks ago that they would be playing an outlaw six-man schedule the remainder of this season, it was their first six-man game on their home turf and the game was well received by the fans in attendance to see the high scoring dominant win. The game was also the last home game of the season and big lead allowed coach Abston to let all his seniors get significant playing time and have some fun in their last home game ever. Morton will participate in the first ever Independence Bowl Series in Gholson, TX on Saturday. The Independence Bowl Series will feature four games, beginning at 10am, between eight schools that are classified as playing independent or “outlaw” football to give those schools a post season game. The matchups are decided by their final regular season rankings on sixmanfootball.com. Morton will take on Tyler HEAT in the 4pm game.