Lions start 2024 campaign with win
J’Kybryen Harris scored three touchdowns on returns to lead the Teague Lions to a 28-7 season-opening road win over New Waverly.
Harris had one touchdown on a pick-six that he returned 53 yards, and two punt returns for scores as well, one for 67 yards and the other for 85 yards.
Teague’s Ny’land Coaster added 60 yards on 10 carries to lead the ground attack and senior three-year starter Zak Leija added 34 yards on 8 carries and was 9-of-18 passing for 80 yards with a touchdown.
New Waverly scored first early in the second quarter with 11:52 remaining in the first half.
The Lions countered with their first score came on a 16-yard touchdown reception from Bryce Bates in the corner of the end zone on a nicely executed pass and catch from Leija to Bates. The two-point conversion was good, and the Lions led 8-7 with 8:22 remaining in the opening half.
On the ensuing possession, Harris picked off the Bulldog quarterback on a well-timed break on the ball and took it the house for a 53-yard touchdown return. The two-point conversion was unsuccessful, giving the Lions a 14-7 edge with 8:22 remaining the in first half which would be the lead going into halftime.
Harris’ first punt return for the Lions came in the third quarter with 4 minutes remaining to give Teague a two-score lead. Alex Lopez added the extra-point to give Teague a 21-7 lead.
On New Waverly’s next possession, the Lion defense held the Bulldog offense to another punt. This time Harris scooted 85 yards on another well put together wall by the Lion punt return team and Teague’s final score came with 1:47 left in the third quarter.
Defensively, linebackers Korey Silar and Tripp Egbert each tallied 12 tackles and defensive-lineman Eli Gilbert tallied 8 tackles, (5 solo), and Cliff Coleman and Zak Leija who added an interception as well, assisted to spearhead the defense limiting the Bulldog offensive throughout the ball game.
The Lions will host Tolar, which was defeated by the Timpson Bears in the state Championship last December, this Friday night at Lion Stadium for Teague’s home opener.