3A

Week Eight 3A Team of the Week: Merkel Badgers

by
Adam Ogburn
October 19

Merkel Badgers named Texas HS Football's Week Eight Class 3A Team of the Week after overcoming a 28-0 halftime deficit to defeat Henrietta 43-42 on a late touchdown and winning two-point conversion.

3A Team of the Week: Merkel Badgers

On Friday morning, Merkel Head Coach Wes Wood played a short clip from Ted Lasso for his football team. In a pregame speech, Lasso asked his team a simple question “Do you believe in miracles?”

Less than 12 hours later, that clip couldn’t have been more relevant in the Badgers’ locker room. At halftime of their game against Henrietta, they trailed 28-0.

Just like Lasso, Wood had to rally his team. His message was simple.

“Stick together. Remember who we are. In the good times and the bad, remember our culture and expectations,” Wood told his guys. “Don’t turn on each other. Remember that we never quit, and that character always matters. I know 28 points seems daunting, but it’s not 49. It’s not impossible.”

For the next 24 minutes, his team showed no quit.

Quarterback Easton “Moose” Malone went in to takeover mode, accounting for five of Merkel’s six second half scores. With just 30 seconds left, he connected with Coty Treadwell up the seam for a 14-yard touchdown to cut Henrietta’s lead to 42-41. Wood and the Badgers decided to roll the dice. They dialed up a two-point conversion with Kayden Diaz taking it around the edge on a reverse to put Merkel up 43-42.

Henrietta had one last gasp, but Malone came up with a game-ending interception to seal an unforgettable win.

“This comeback thriller may go down as the greatest game I’ll ever be blessed to be a part of in my coaching career,” Wood said. “We were picked last in our district and facing a very talented Henrietta team. Our guys had every reason to fold when things looked bleak. Instead, Moose and our team showed incredible grit, resilience, and belief in one another. Our kids deserve every bit of love and recognition they can get for that gritty performance.”

Malone finished with 251 passing yards and three touchdowns, while also adding 118 yards and a score on the ground. Diaz led the receiving corps with nine catches for 119 yards. Running back CJ Guadarrama also stayed busy with 69 rushing yards and a score along with six catches for 64 yards and another touchdown through the air.

With the win, Merkel is now 4-3 and 1-1 in district play. The Badgers can take another big step towards a playoff berth this Friday when they host City View, which is still looking for its first district win.