Benbrook dominates Western Hills from the start to stay undefeated in district play

It was rivalry week for Benbrook and Fort Worth Western Hills.

“It’s going to be a hard-fought battle, but we expect nothing less because our kids are fired up and ready to go,” said Benbrook head coach Cody Slanter before the game.

But as rivalry games go, anything can happen.

Bobcats quarterback Major Youngblood threw for three touchdowns as Benbrook dominated the Cougars, 43-13, at Clark Stadium.

“Offensively we’ve had a great season so far, on defense we have some studs, and you know it’s a rivalry so we expect a tough game,” said Western Hills coach Blake Moilan before Friday night’s showdown.

And it was a tough start for the Cougars.

The game started with a penalty that put Western Hills at its own 10-yard line, which sparked a great defensive play by Benbrook to cause a safety.

The next points on the board also went to Benbrook (4-3 overall, 4-0 in District 6-4A D1).

Running back Harry Gonzales rushed between the tackles to score the first touchdown of the game. Benbrook’s offense continued to roll as Gonzales scored his second touchdown of the game to start off the second quarter.

Keyon Butler burst through for a 30-yard rush to set up a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Tyreek Lewis for Western Hills (3-4, 2-2) in the second quarter.

Benbrook had all the momentum going into the half. Youngblood completed a 31-yard pass to Jayden Montaalvo to set up a 15-yard rushing touchdown by Gonzales.

Then Benbrook’s defense got the ball back to its offense as Roderick Hodge secured a toe-tap interception along the sideline. This was followed by Benbrook’s offense capitalizing off a defensive turnover as Youngblood threw to Hodge, this time for a 37-yard touchdown.

To start the second half, Benbrook’s offense drove downfield as Youngblood threw his second touchdown of the game to Montaalvo. The Bobcats successfully recovered an onside kick to keep the ball in their offense’s hands.

Benbrook’s lead increased as Youngblood threw his third touchdown to Hodge. For the Cougars, Butler completed a 33-yard pass to Johnavon Polk to set up a 9-yard rushing touchdown by Jason Green.

“We’ve been talking to our seniors about leaving a legacy,” Slater said. “They were really fired up to leave a mark behind for these seniors tonight to make sure they got that win in that rivalry game.”

Slater also said it was a total team win.

“It always feels good to win and moving forward I think we are just going to come together as a unit and stay positive,” Gonzales said.