2A Team of the Week: Mason Punchers
Not only did Mason play up a division for its final non-district game, the Punchers took on the number four team in 3A Division II, Wall.
The game was a slugfest. Mason finished with just 84 total yards, but it didn’t matter. The Puncher defense forced four turnovers, including an 86-yard interception return by Frankie Bolley, and Mathew King and Carlton Schmidt each scored short-yardage rushing touchdown as Mason eeked out a 14-7 victory.
With the victory, the Punchers improved to 6-0 on the season.
“Anytime you win over a respected, highly successful program that also happens to be bigger than you, it is a great feeling,” Mason head coach Michael McLeod said. “If you were to build a map of our season (thus far), where we’ve gone, and who we’ve faced, this game here would have a historical marker on it because it has so much impact and accomplishment for our coaches, kids, and community that you wouldn’t want to forget it when you look back on our season at the conclusion of it.”
Mason has won its district title every year since 2011. And even after a big victory, McLeod said he can tell his players aren’t satisfied as they prepare to compete for their 13th straight district title.
“We are 6-0 and are confident in what we’re doing, but we haven’t accomplished anything yet,” McLeod said. “That’s the best part about these kids is they are hungry and present in what we’ve done, but realize there are far better things down the road to come.”
After six-straight weeks of preparing for games, McLeod said his Punchers will “reflect, refresh, and reload” during their bye week this week as they prepare to open district play on Oct. 13 on the road at Johnson City.
Previous 2A Teams of the Week
Week One: Timpson
Week Two: Abilene TLCA
Week Three: Kerens
Week Four: Iola
Week Five: Rosebud-Lott
