The Taylor Ducks varsity football team will begin postseason play against the Somerset Bulldogs on Friday, Nov. 15. The Ducks are coming off a 42-36 emotional victory over the Travis Rebels, while the Bulldogs defeated Fredericksburg 35-28 last week.
Both teams are evenly matched offensively. Taylor has averaged 36.7 points per game, while Somerset has averaged 34.5 points. The Ducks are led by senior quarterback Eli Laurence, who is coming off a stellar performance, throwing for 228 yards and five touchdowns, including the game-winner to freshman wide receiver Damien Calico.
Calico has been one of Laurence’s top targets this season and is coming off a two-score showing.
Junior quarterback Kaleb Flores leads the Bulldogs, throwing for 1,201 yards and 15 touchdowns. Flores has been careful with the ball this season, accounting for just three interceptions. His top wideout has been junior Owen Woodson, who has five touchdown catches this season.
Taylor will hope to get senior running back Andrias Fisher going as they look to establish a ground game against a capable Somerset defensive line. Fisher has been increasingly productive, accounting for over 100 yards in three of his last five outings. The Ducks getting off to a strong start on the ground could be a key factor in deciding this game.
Defensively, both teams have been solid.
Taylor has pitched three shutouts in its last five games. The Ducks are led by senior defensive tackle Kaddy Maravilla and senior linebacker Stephen Rogers.
Maravilla recorded 10 tackles, including two for loss, while Rogers was out last week. His return could make a significant impact.
The game is set to start at 7 p.m. at House Park Stadium in Austin.
