4A Team of the Week: Bandera Bulldogs
Trailing 24-7 to Carrizo Springs at halftime, it looked like Bandera’s hopes of claiming a share of the district title were all but over.
Except no one told the Bulldogs.
“This is a special group of players and coaches who believe in each other,” Bandera head coach Joel Fontenot-Amedee said. “The message at half time was that the first half was not who we are. We are a physical, disciplined, and tough football team and in the second half we need to be who we are.”
That message appeared to have resonated. On Bandera’s first play from scrimmage in the second half, “sophomore running back Breydan Gherman exploded for a 61-yard touchdown.”
An avalanche of Bulldog momentum followed, setting up a season-defining moment with just seconds left. With Bandera trailing 30-28, senior Jace Knowles lined up a 35-yard field goal to win the game.
He delivered, and just like that, the Bulldogs had a share of the district title.
JACE KNOWLES.
FROM 35 YARDS — FOR THE WIN!Bandera 31, Carrizo Springs 30
After trailing 24-7 at the half, the Bulldogs fought all the way back to clinch a share of a second consecutive district championship for the first time since 2008-2009!! #WeAreOne #txhsfb pic.twitter.com/xZG2eYsBys
— Bandera Football (@BanderaFB) November 9, 2024
“Any time you can win a championship, it is a special season,” Fontenot-Amedee said. “Although we ended up third in the seeding due to point differential, I’m really proud of this group grabbing a share of the district title. Our preseason goals were to run it back as district champs and to win a playoff game. Our team and community are very proud of the accomplishment and can’t wait to play again this Friday night! Back to back sounds pretty good!”
The Bulldog backfield was clicking on Friday. Gherman finished with 200 yards on 29 carries, while quarterback Dylan Peace thew for 220 yards and three touchdowns.
Out at receiver, Samuel Snavely delivered another explosive play in that second half comeback with a 63-yard touchdown reception. Jeffry Thomas and Beton Cloudt also had touchdown receptions.
Defensively, Bandera got stop after stop in the second half. Dane Barnett paced that unit with 11 total tackles, while Jonah Klein pitched in with two tackles for loss.
Now, Bandera will aim to parlay the momentum from last Friday into a playoff win this week. The Bulldogs will face Lago Vista in San Marcos on Friday for a spot in the area round.
Previous 4A Teams of the Week
Week One: Pine Tree
Week Two: Paris
Week Three: Midland Greenwood
Week Four: Eastside Memorial
Week Five: El Paso Austin
Week Six: Clint Mountain View
Week Seven: Port Lavaca Calhoun
Week Eight: Sweeny
Week Nine: La Feria
Week Ten: Little Cypress-Mauriceville
