(Seguin) — The Marion Bulldog 2024 football season came to an end Friday night in the second round of the playoffs at the hands of the Goliad Tigers at Matador Stadium in Seguin.
The Tigers advanced to the UIL Class 3A Division I Regional round with a 56-28 victory over Marion. The Bulldogs, who finished in a three-way tie for second place in District 13-3A this season, made it to the Area round for the first time since 2019.
Goliad athlete Lamont Franklin had a big night with three touchdown runs of 80, 59 and 81 yards. Tiger quarterback Cord Zamzow added TD runs of 34 and 77 yards.
The Bulldogs got big plays from their quarterback as well. Junior signal caller Kade Pape accounted for three scores, two on touchdown runs and one on a pretty 34-yard TD pass to senior wideout Gavin Soefje down the middle of the field.
Bulldog running back Christian Sanchez finished with 105 yards rushing on 21 carries. The senior scored the final touchdown of his career on a five-yard run with under a minute to play in the game. Sanchez was aided in his 100-yard game by senior linemen Garrett Mann, Isaiah “Snake” Carnahan and Broc Birdwell blocking in front of him
Senior linebacker Hadley Mote finished the game with eight tackles including two for loss. Mote also had a pair of receptions at tight end on offense. Senior defensive back Caden Hernandez had five tackles with one for loss.
Goliad will take on Llano next week in the regional round. Llano won District 13-3A, going 5-0 in district play this season.
(Floresville) — And in Floresville, the season also came to an end for the Navarro Panthers.
Navarro fell to rival Cuero, 56-21 in the Class 4A Division II Area round on Friday night. Navarro lost their first two games in a tough District 13-4A, but won three of their last four district games to make the playoffs and advance to the second round of the postseason. Cuero will face District 13-4A champion Wimberley in the regional round next week.