5A Team of the Week: Bryan Rudder Rangers
Anticipation in Bryan this past week couldn’t have been any higher. For the first time in nine years, Bryan and Rudder were set to renew the Bryan Bowl.
However, by halftime, most of the life had been sucked out of the Rudder side of the stadium. Bryan led 24-7 and looked to be on its way to a convincing victory.
Head coach Eric Ezar wasn’t done believing. He told his guys at halftime that three things needed to happen.
- “The hard part is out of the way; All the nervousness from the first half is gone,” Ezar said. “Now we are going to get the football in the second half, and we just need one play to get the ball rolling.”
Well, on the very first play of the second half, Rudder running back Jack Schneringer broke free for a 58-yard touchdown to cut the lead to 24-13.
2. “Once we get that the crowd will get into the game, then we need a big play on defense,” Ezar told his team.
Again, Rudder delivered. Aiden Gray blocked a punt, the Rangers recovered it for a touchdown, and suddenly, it was 24-21.
10:04 3Q | Bryan 24 – Rudder 21 #txhsfb
Rudder blocked Bryan’s punt on its first possession of the second half, and the Rangers recovered it for a touchdown. The two-point jet sweep by Mikey Heard is good. pic.twitter.com/8xxPullYr8
— Jake Weese (@TheJakeWeese) September 19, 2026
3. “Then everyone will be going crazy,” Ezar said. “Stay cool because this will be the best half of football of your lives.”
His words were prophetic. Schneringer ended up with 259 rushing yards and two touchdowns as the Rangers stormed back for a wild 40-34 victory. Amarrion Gibson also added 40 yards and two touchdowns on four carries. In all, the Rangers rushed for 366 yards.
With the win, Rudder improves to 3-1 on the season. The Rangers will close out non-district play with a visit from Elgin this Thursday.
Previous 5A Teams of the Week
Week One: Bryan Adams
Week Two: Waco
Week Three: Northbrook
