The Taylor Ducks varsity football team showed fight in a 46-14 loss to the LBJ Austin Cougars on Friday, Nov. 1. The Ducks’ offense was held scoreless in three of the four quarters as they searched for answers against the dominant Cougars defense.
The game began as a defensive battle, with both teams keeping each other out of the end zone. LBJ Austin finally broke through with a touchdown to make it 7-0, a score that held until the second quarter.
The offenses found some rhythm in the second quarter. LBJ Austin scored again, extending its lead to 13-0. However, the Ducks fought back, cutting into the lead with a touchdown to make it 13-7. The Cougars quickly responded to widen the margin, but Taylor answered with another score, bringing it to 19-14. Just before halftime, LBJ Austin struck again, stretching its lead to 26-14. That touchdown marked the end of the Ducks’ offensive production, as they struggled to find success in the second half. Meanwhile, the Cougars continued to pull away, scoring late in the third quarter to make it 34-14 with a touchdown and a two-point conversion. LBJ Austin added two more touchdowns, sealing the Ducks’ fate.
Head Coach Earven Flowers talked about his team's overall performance.
“We fought hard, you just can’t give great teams opportunities like we did.” he said. “We weren't able to take advantage of their weaknesses, and that is something that will be with us for the next couple of weeks.”
Despite the defeat, the Ducks showed resilience, keeping it close at times against a talented team.
Flowers praised his team’s effort and the confidence they gained from competing hard.
“The defense played hard; we had a solid game plan, and our kids fought,” Flowers said.
“We gave up a couple of big plays that hurt our momentum, but overall, I’m happy with how our guys competed. I think they see now that they can compete at a pretty high level.”
Taylor will have to reach that high level again as it hosts Travis on Friday, Nov. 8. Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m.
