Tigers FB host undefeated Holland
THRALL — A 2A-1 District 13 championship title could very well be on the line at 7:30 p.m. this Friday night when the Thrall High School varsity football team hosts undefeated Holland High School at Tiger Stadium.
This is a massive game for both teams, especially for Thrall as the Tigers have the opportunity to improve to 6-1 this week and go 3-0 in district play. With a victory, Thrall would already double its win total from an injury-plagued season in 2022.
In addition to junior standout quarterback Chance Parker being a sensation for Thrall this season after transferring from Pflugerville High School, he is getting a ton of help on offense from his assortment of weapons. Senior Tyler Bonkowski, who is one of the best tight ends in the area, continued his great year for Thrall last week vs. Weimar as he caught two touchdown passes thrown by Parker in the first quarter of that game.
Tigers junior wide receiver Landon Gregory has also been superb and caught a clutch 56-yard pass near the end of the game at Weimar to help set up the game-winning score by Parker in the thrilling 38-35 over the Wildcats.
Thrall got two massive defensive scores in the first half vs. Weimar on an interception returned by Gregory as well as a fumble returned for a touchdown by sophomore outside linebacker C.J. Kelm in the second quarter.
The game got a bit rocky for Thrall in the second half as Weimar was able to come back from a 28-6 halftime deficit and take a 35-31 lead late in the game. However, Parker and his Thrall teammates came up clutch down the stretch and got the victory for head coach Aaron Vanecek.
The 5-0 Holland Hornets, who enter as the No. 10 team in Dave Campbell’s Texas Football rankings for 2A-1 this week, will be a very tough team to beat with their physicality and ability to run the ball on offense. They also play solid defense and have allowed just 92 points through five games this season.
Thrall High School varsity football sophomore running back C.J. Kelm crosses the goal line for a touchdown on Sept. 22 during the Tigers’ 28-21 victory at home vs. Flatonia High School Photo by Larry Pelchat
