Bulldogs destory Pearsall, head to playoffs

Bandera senior Brock Johnson had a career day on Senior Night at Bulldog Stadium Friday night, racking up 217 yards and four rushing touchdowns on 24 carries to lead the Bulldogs to a dominant 48-9 over Pearsall in the final game of the 2021 regular season. The Bandera offensive line, including junior Isaac Martinez, senior Ross Chavez, senior Brice Clemens, senior Johnny Vaughn and senior Kaloeb Son, consistently controlled the line of scrimmage and paved the way for the Bulldogs to rush for a season-high 375 yards and six touchdowns as a team. The victory moved Bandera to 6-4 on the season and 2-3 in district, securing the fourth playoff spot out of District 15-4A Division II. The playoff berth is just the second for the Bulldogs’ football program since 2009. Bandera last advanced to the playoffs in 2019 after an 8-2 regular season.

“I’m very proud of our seniors and what they’ve been able to accomplish in qualifying for the playoffs twice in their high school career – that’s a big deal and a great accomplishment,” Bandera athletic director and head football coach Joel Fontenot-Amedee said. “Our team has worked hard and deserves the success they’ve had this year.”

The Bulldogs will now turn their focus to Sinton, the No. 9-ranked team in Class 4A Division II and the District 16-4A Division II champion. Bandera will take on the Pirates at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Jourdanton ISD’s Indian Stadium. The winner will advance to play the either La Grange or Manor New Tech in the second round of the postseason.

“It doesn’t matter what seed you are when you get into the playoffs,” Amedee said. “Sinton is a very good, well-coached football team. It should be a great game, and we’re looking forward to seeing a big crowd of Bulldog fans in Jourdanton Friday night.”