The Argyle Eagles continued their success Friday night, adding a 49-13 win over the Kaufman Lions to their 28-game streak heading into the third round of playoffs.
The Eagles began the game with strong field position from a kick return by Scott Smith. Argyle wasted no time, as Nick Ralston found the end zone on a 16-yard rushing score.
After a Kaufman punt, Ralston had three more big runs of 45 yards, 18 yards and, finally, a 3-yard rushing touchdown. Kaufman quarterback Jackson Fritz was injured on the next drive, replaced by backup quarterback Austin Gomez.
Gomez could not move the ball against a tough Argyle defense, and the Lions turned the ball over on downs in Eagle territory. Ralston once again broke through defenders and sped for another score, this time from 52 yards out.
After getting the ball back via interception, the ball was snapped over quarterback Cooper Rodgers’ head and Kaufman was able to recover deep at the Eagle 31-yard line.
After getting the ball at the 1-yard line, the Argyle defense forced a fumble in the end zone, resulting in a touchback. The Eagle defense would soon be back on the field however, as Ralston once again found a hole and burst all the way for an 80-yard touchdown run to push Argyle’s lead to 28-0.
Late in the first half, Rodgers led a drive down field, concluding with a 19-yard touchdown strike to Gage McCook, giving the Eagles a commanding 35-0 lead heading into the half.
The third quarter was no different, as on the first possession for the Eagles, Ralston rumbled in for another score, this time from 48 yards out.
The Eagle defense once again forced a punt, and Rodgers’ threw a laser to Drew Estrada, who did the rest of the work on the ground, taking off for a 61-yard touchdown.
The Lions were eventually able get on the board, with a Desmond Williams 7-yard rushing score.
Ralston finished the game with 305 yards on 15 carries, averaging 20.3 yards per carry.
The Eagles will continue their quest for a second straight state title as they take on undefeated Kennedale next Friday at Mesquite Hanby at 6 p.m.
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