PATTERSON SHINES AS CUBS ROLL PAST MAGNOLIA, 63-24

If the Brenham Cubs’ first play from scrimmage was any indicator, it was going to be a long night for the Magnolia defense and a big night for Cubs’ running back Ernest Patterson—both proved to be prophetically true.

After the Brenham defense held the Bulldogs to a three-and-out on their first possession, Patterson took the handoff on the Cubs’ first play and raced 67 yards to give the Cubs a 7-0 lead, less than three minutes into the game.

Patterson would score two more times in the first quarter alone—on a 25-yard pass from Caleb Hill and a 15-yard run.

The Cubs (4-3/3-1) would extend their lead to 42-14 by the half, with Caleb Hill rushing for two scores and Patterson adding a 4-yard touchdown run right before halftime.

The Cubs defense, much maligned after last Friday’s loss to Stratford, dominated the Bulldogs (1-6/1-3), shutting down Magnolia’s offense for much of the first half.  In the first quarter alone, the Cubs sacked the Bulldogs’ quarterbacks five times.

Coach Glen West made a number of changes to the defense, going with a much smaller and quicker lineup.  “I thought we played with a lot of energy in the first half.  We got to the quarterback and played better in the secondary.”

“I was a little disappointed in the start of the second half.  They (Magnolia) found something, but we adjusted to that and stopped it too.”

Patterson continued his dominance in the third quarter with two more touchdown runs of 62 and 63 yards to finish with 260 yards rushing on the night and six touchdowns (five rushing; one receiving).

It was Patterson’s third-consecutive 200-yard rushing night, giving him 736 yards in those three games.  For the season Patterson has 1219 yards rushing and 19 total touchdowns.

“People need to come out and see him play,” said West.  “You’re not going to see another guy like him.  He’s only got a few games left at Brenham and he’s amazing…he’s truly special.”

Caleb Hill had an outstanding night as well, completing 12-of-14 passes for 208 yards and four touchdowns.  He also ran for 34 yards and two more scores.

Jordan Graves caught a 25-yard touchdown pass, while Jaquay Cross led all receivers with five catches for 94 yards.

Running back Xavier Nero led the Bulldogs’ offense with 91 yards on 12 carries.  The Cubs’ defense kept the Magnolia passing attack in check, limiting the Bulldogs to just three completions in 14 attempts for just 79 yards.

It was also a special night for a group of former Cub football stars as Brenham celebrated Hall of Honor night.

Prior to the game, the team honored the 2014 inductees to the Hall of Honor, Leroy Dreyer, Franklin Fisher and Limas Sweed.  The 1971 Cubs (13-1) were also recognized.

The Cubs hit the road next Friday night, travelling to Tomball to face the Cougars at 7:00.  The game can be heard beginning with the pregame show at 6:30 on KWHI and www.kwhi.com.

OTHER 19/5A SCORES:
WALLER 73   TOMBALL 36
STRATFORD 52   SPRING WOODS 7
TOMBALL MEMORIAL 57   MAGNOLIA WEST 49

19/5A STANDINGS
1T-WALLER, 4-0
1T-STRATFORD, 4-0
3-BRENHAM CUBS, 3-1
4T-TOMBALL MEMORIAL, 2-2
4T-MAGNOLIA WEST, 2-2
6-MAGNOLIA, 1-3
7T-TOMBALL, 0-4
7T-SPRING WOODS, 0-4