District opponent Columbus Cardinals end Yoakum Bulldogs playoff run in regional semifinals

  • Photo courtesy of Raymond Rosas.
    Photo courtesy of Raymond Rosas.

    The Yoakum Bulldogs ended what most would say was a surprising run in this year’s playoffs Nov. 29 as they were defeated by a familiar district foe, the Columbus Cardinals 56-42 at Katy’s Legacy Field.

    Yoakum was led offensively by senior quarterback Trae Cuellar's three rushing touchdowns and 306 yards of total offense. Senior running back Donovan Toussaint contributed as well with inspired running that led to 180 yards and one touchdown as well. The Bulldogs receiver core was led by X’Zavier Barnett who accounted for 109 yards on seven grabs with a touchdown. The Bulldogs defense was led by Bradley Jacob and Ryder Harris who each had eight tackles. The Bulldogs end the season at 8-5 having made the third round of the playoffs.

    The Cardinals and Bulldogs exchanged touchdowns in the first quarter to be knotted up at 7-7 a piece but Columbus was able to take a 21-7 lead early on in the second quarter behind two rushing touchdowns by their quarterback and running back.

    The Bulldogs pulled to within a touchdown with 4:53 remaining in the second quarter, but the Cardinals were able to score before the half to increase their lead 28-14 with 1:38 remaining in the first half. The Bulldogs would open the second half with possession but could only make it to midfield before having to punt the ball away. Columbus would need only one play as their quarterback found a receiver for a 66-yard touchdown run and catch increasing the lead to 35-14 with 9:42 left in the third quarter. After forcing a punt the Bulldogs offense was able to march down and score on a six- yard touchdown by Cuellar, his third of the game, making the score 35-21 with 3:08 left in the third quarter. The Cardinals once again would score on a touchdown pass just before the end of the third quarter to increase the lead once again to 21 points as they led now 42- 21 with 0:17 remaining in the third quarter.

    The Bulldogs would not go away though as they marched down the field and were able to score on a Cuellar to Barnett touchdown pass from 11 yards out to narrow the lead again to 42-28 early in the fourth quarter. Following a long kick return, the Cardinals would punch in District opponent Columbus Cardinals end Yoakum Bulldogs playoff run in regional semifinals a rushing touchdown from the Bulldogs 10-yard line to make the score 49-28 with 10:00 remaining in the game. Yoakum’s next possession would end in a turnover on downs. The Cardinals taking advantage of good field position needed only three plays to find pay dirt and increase the lead with 6:11 remaining in the game. Yoakum’s next possession would drive down the field from their own 33 and reach the end zone with a Toussaint five-yard touchdown run to finish it off. The Bulldogs now were behind 56-35 with 5:10 left in the game. Yoakum’s last points of the game would be provided by the defense as after making it to the Bulldogs 35 the Cardinals would fumble the ball and it would be picked up by Caysen Gamez, who would return it 65 yards for a touchdown. The score would make it 56-42 with 2:25 remaining in the game. The Cardinals now taking over and, the Bulldogs having no timeouts, would run four plays to end the game.

    The staff here at the Yoakum Herald-Times would like to thank the outgoing seniors for a great season and four years worth of memories. Always remember, once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog.

    Yoakum statistsics: Rushing: Donovan Toussaint, 15-180, 1 TD; Trae Cuellar 28-95, 3 TDs; Kennan Dilworth, 1-2. Passing: Cuellar, 16-23-0-211, 1 TD. Receiving: X’Zavier Barnett, 7-109, 1 TD; Jamar Hopkins, 4-58; Dilworth, 3-42; Toussaint, 1-2. Defense: Bradley Jacob, 8 tackles; Ryder Harris, 8 tackles; Cayson Gamez, 8 tackles, 1 fumble recovery for a touchdown; Colby Jendrzey, 5 tackles; Joaquin Varela, 4 tackles; Brett Lerch, 4 tackles; Raul Lopez III, 4 tackles; Kanin Jacobs, 3 tackles; Brenten Jacobs, 3 tackles; Barnett, 3 tackles; Isaiah Lopez, 2 tackles; Toussaint, 2 tackles; Clayton Hlavac, 1 tackle; Alexis Hernandez, 1 tackle. Punting: Cuellar, 3-90/30.0 average.