Thursday, April 25, 2024
Granbury senior Zach Watson broke 3,000 career rushing yards with a 220-yard rushing performance Friday night at Azle.
The Pirates were competitive in the first half, down only 35-24, but the explosive Hornets outscored the Pirates 35-14 in the second half to win 70-38.
Granbury fell to 1-6, 0-4. Azle improved to 4-1, 2-0.
Watson, who also scored two touchdowns in the game, received praise from Granbury Head Coach Chad Zschiesche.
“Reaching the 3,000-yard rushing mark is a huge accomplishment by Zach,” the coach said. “During that journey he has made some spectacular runs that make the highlight real. However, there have been times when the holes and running lanes were not there, and he remained positive and kept grinding on the next play.”
The 3,000-yard runner has overcome two major knee injuries in his career.
“The perseverance, dedication, determination, and his ability to handle and overcome adversity make this accomplishment very special,” Zschiesche said. “I’m very proud of him for continuing to work hard and reach for his dreams. He’s a special young man on and off the field who will do great things in life.”
Commenting about the game, the coach said, “I thought we played well in two of the three phases of the game. Specials was solid all night in the return game and on kickoff. Brack Peacock kicked and punted well all night.
“Offense had a big night running 119 plays that included 36 first downs, 409 yards rushing and 220 yards passing.
“Austin Jinkerson did a great job taking what the defense gave him with 26 completions on the night and two passing TDs (Davis, Gustafson). He also had a big night running the ball with 160 yards rushing on 26 attempts. Defensively, Dustin Jones and Gus Hamlin both led the team in tackles.”
Granbury hosts Northwest (4-2, 2-1) Friday night. Kickoff is 7 p.m.
“Northwest is a good football team that runs a spread-style offense and 3-4 defense,” Zschiesche said. “They are very balanced in their approach on offense and will blitz periodically on defense. Offensively, we will need to protect the football and finish drives. Defensively, we must tackle better while limiting the explosive plays.”
Granbury 14 10 0 14 -38
Azle 14 21 21 14 - 70
Granbury scores:
First quarter
Zach Watson 48 run (Brack Peacock kick)
Ethan Gustofson 6 pass from Austin Jinkerson (Peacock kick)
Second quarter
Jinkerson 6 run (Peacock kick)
Peacock 42 FG
Fourth quarter
Watson 2 run (Peacock kick)
Crash Davis 6 pass from Austin Jinkerson (Peacock kick)
