The Lone Star Rangers kicked off their 2016 campaign with a 62-14 win over Heritage (0-1, 0-1) in game two of the quadruple header opening of The Star. Last year, the Rangers stormed onto the scene making the state finals in 5A division last season. They have a target on their back and won’t sneak up on anyone this year.
It looked like the Rangers (1-0, 1-0) were going to put points on the board on their first drive of the season, but quarterback Jason Shelley fumbled the ball at the 15-yard line as he was scrambling trying to find one of his receivers in the end zone. Heritage wasn’t able to do anything with the turnover and then the Rangers just took over.
Lone Star's first drive halted by a fumble by QB Jason Shelley and Heritage recovers #txhsfb pic.twitter.com/AmSf08Wqze
— Texas HS Football (@texashsfootball) August 27, 2016
“Jason (Shelley) showed maturity today, coming back from his early mistake.” Head coach Jeff Rayburn said about his signal caller. “We know they are going to make mistakes, but it’s how they come back and he showed why he is one of the best.”
That would be the only blemish on the report card for the Utah commit on the day; he was responsible 510 total yards, 489 in the air and 21 on the ground. Shelley also had four touchdowns, two through the air and two with his feet.
“It was great to get back out there playing with the guys. In the offseason the receivers and I worked on timing and things along those lines and it was nice to see that translate over to game action today.” Shelley said.
Shelley and wide receiver Jaylen Dixon connected twice for touchdowns of 53 and 22 yards. On the second touchdown during a timeout Shelley saw Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant on the video board and when he threw it up in his mind he said (Dixon) better not drop it cause Dez was watching.
There weren’t any concerns about the bright lights of opening day of The Star; the Rangers handled that just fine getting out a 34-0 lead midway through the second quarter.
“Its awesome we got to play here today, but it’s just another stadium for that we have played in.” Rayburn said. “Our guys didn’t let the moment of today get to them and they just played ball, but even though we won big today we have things to improve on.”
Next up for Lone Star is a visit from Mansfield Timberview on September 2nd in their first non-district game of the season.
