Williamson County Looks To Build Off Breakout Season

Photo via Hudl

The Falcons played the Patriots in the semifinals of the Division I bracket of the Texas Association of Independent Athletic Organization (TAIAO) and got blown out 92-36. The Falcons made the second half of the game somewhat competitive as they were outscored 32-20. But 28 points by the Patriots in the first quarter and 32 points in the second quarter made the score 60-16 after halftime. The Falcons allowed 490 rushing yards on 38 carries and 10 rushing touchdowns. Bryce Benitez ran for 219 yards and four touchdowns on 11 carries and Jacob Benitez ran for 126 yards and three touchdowns on 12 carries.

The Falcons also lost to the Patriots two game prior to the playoff game, albeit in a closer game, 72-68 in San Antonio, with a win over Capital Christian HomeSchool mixed in between. Their only other loss was the first game of the season to Covenant Christian, who was 9-2. But in between those two losses, the Falcons won six straight games, five of which came against Hidden Valley HomeSchool, Gospel Lighthouse Christian, Summit Christian Academy, BVCHEA HomeSchool and Austin Achieve.

The Falcons’ best win came at home against Bastrop Tribe Consolidated 90-45. The Warriors were 10-3 and lost in the championship game of the Division II bracket of the TAIAO playoffs.

The 7-3 mark was the Falcons’ best of the last seven seasons. They have been 5-4, 2-6, 4-5, 7-4, 5-7 and 2-6 prior to 2016.

Collard performed effectively as a quarterback with 72 completions in 110 passing attempts for 2,227 yards, 24 touchdowns and three interceptions. He was also the Falcons’ leading rusher, as he had 58 carries for 1,005 yards and 21 touchdowns. And for good measure, Collard also had a 41-yard touchdown catch on his only attempt. Collard passed for 410 yards and three touchdowns, while running for 149 yards and five touchdowns on 13 carries in the Falcons’ win over the Warriors. He also threw for 513 yards and five touchdowns in the Falcons’ first lost to the Patriots.

With Collard graduating, Tavarez should be the primary quarterback as he had the second most pass attempts with six. He did throw two touchdowns, so there is no indication of a drop off. He’ll also bring the running element too as he was second on the team with 43 carries, 797 yards and 14 touchdowns. Tavarez was the Falcons’ best receiver with 21 receptions, 948 yards and 10 touchdown catches. A kickoff returned for a touchdown and a punt returned for a touchdown helped Tavarez be the team’s touchdown leader.

Cochran was the Falcons’ best defensive player as he led them with 71 tackles and six passes defended. He also chipped in as a running back with 325 yards and seven touchdowns on 30 carries.

Although Collard is one major element the Falcons will be losing, the rest of the team has to be positive that they can improve on the talent that they already have. They have to be encouraged that they nearly beat the team they lost to in the playoffs once before.