HICO– Greenbrier East had several opportunities to seize control Friday night, but the Spartans could not produce the big play when they needed it in a 15-7 loss at Midland Trail on the Patriots homecoming night.
East, again, played without starting quarterback Sam Gabbert and running back Austin Whitt on offense.
Midland Trail (2-2) controlled much of the opening half and marched down the field for the game’s first touchdown on its opening possession. Runs by A. Weis, John Neal and Brady Jones helped move the hosts downfield before Neal finished the drive with an 11-yard touchdown run. The extra-point attempt was unsuccessful, leaving Midland Trail with a 6-0 lead.
East (0-4) struggled to establish its offense early and finished the first half with only 19 total yards. The Spartans also committed two turnovers.
Greenbrier East’s defense kept the game within reach, however, stopping another Midland Trail possession and holding the hosts to six points before halftime. Brody Jones intercepted an East pass late in the second quarter to preserve Midland Trail’s 6-0 advantage at the break.
The Spartans began finding room on the ground during the second half. Ervin broke free for a 35-yard gain on one possession, while Jet Whitworth provided a spark with his running when Ervin was banged up for a swries, and a long punt return. East eventually put together its best drive of the night, highlighted by a 14-yard run from Ervin before he scored on a 5-yard touchdown run with 6:26 remaining. The extra point gave the Spartans a 7-6 lead.
But Midland Trail answered quickly.
A 34-yard completion to Jones helped set up the go-ahead score, and a 22-yard run moved the hosts deeper into East territory. Jasper Swafford crossed the goal line to reclaim a 12-7 advantage for the Patriots with 4:57 remaining. The two-point conversion attempt failed, keeping the Spartans within one possession, but Midland Trail later added a 33-yard field goal from Levi Shrewsberry to seal the deal.
Ervin led Greenbrier East with 72 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. Whitworth added 67 yards on six attempts, but the Spartans managed only 138 yards of total offense.
Midland Trail finished with 353 total yards, including 242 on the ground.
Despite staying within striking distance throughout the night, East was unable to capitalize on its opportunities down the stretch as Midland Trail secured the 15-7 victory.
East will make a first-time trip to Winfield on Friday, September 25.
Stats courtesy of 103.1, Radio Greenbrier.
Scoring Plays:
First Quarter:
MT: Neal 11-yard pass from Swafford, kick no good 6-0
Third Quarter:
GE: Ervin 5-yard run, Paul Kucera kick 7-6
MT: Swafford 9-yard run, pass failed 12-7
MT: Shrewsberry 33-yard field goal, 15-7
