State 4-A playoffs: Alexander Central at Watauga, 7:30 p.m.
Pioneers keep Spencer from running wild all game
By Steve Behr, sports editor

sports@wataugademocrat.com

Watauga’s defense knew it had its hands full when it came to slowing down A.C. Reynolds halfback Darius Spencer.

The speedy runner had over 1,000 yards rushing heading into the Rockets’ showdown with the Pioneers last Friday. Keeping Spencer in check was one of the reasons Watauga was able to pick up a 25-13 victory over the Rockets at Jack Groce Stadium. The win gave Watauga (8-3) a share of the Northwestern 4-A Conference championship and a No. 1 seed into the state 4-A playoffs. The Pioneers host NWC rival Alexander Central (4-7) in the first round Friday.

It was a long way for the Pioneers to come, according to senior offensive lineman Casey Augustine, who has been in the program for four years.

“In my jayvee year, we won zero games,” Augustine said. “From going to winning nothing to a conference championship in four years is one of the best feelings in the world.”

Spencer did his share to keep the Rockets in Friday’s game. He gained 103 yards and scored two touchdowns for Reynolds, which opens the state 4-A playoffs as the No. 5 seed in the bracket. Spencer also had another touchdown run called back because of a holding penalty.

But the Pioneers did not let Spencer dominate the game like he is capable. Spencer had 93 yards in the first three quarters of the game, but settled for 10 in the fourth when the Rockets had to pass to catch up to the Pioneers.

“We knew that if we got inside and got penetration and make Spencer cut in the backfield, that’s something they didn’t want to do. If we could do that, then it would slow them down a lot,” defensive tackle Preston Oliver said.

The Pioneers have been stout this season against the rush. They allow 162.1 yards per game, which works out to 3.9 yards per carry. Watauga’s defense gives up 292.5 yards per game, but the Pioneers’ offense gains 328.4 yards each outing.

Watauga goes into the playoffs looking to slow down the Cougars’ running game. They were successful in their 50-22 win over the Cougars during the regular season, holding them to 52 yards on 23 carries.

The Pioneers proved they can stop the run by limiting Spencer. He averaged 5.7 yards per carry, but only ran the ball 18 times.

“We shut him down by making him go downhill,” Watauga defensive tackle Grady McKinney said. “We made him cut instead of letting him go forward. We knew how to contain him and keep him in.”

Once the fourth quarter began, the Rockets took to the air more often in an effort to catch up. Reynolds quarterback Alexander Wall completed 12-of-24 passes for 131 yards with one interception in the game.

Wall was sacked for a 10-yard loss by Oliver that left the Rockets with a fourth down at their own 15. The Rockets eventually got the ball back and Spencer capped a 75-yard drive with a 5-yard touchdown run with 2:04 left in the game.

By then, Watauga led 25-13 and after recovering an onside kick, ran the clock out.

“We did what we needed to do to get better,” Augustine said. “The seniors have set up a program. Last year, we had a great group of guys. This year, the senior class finished it off for us.”

“This was for the seniors this year and for the seniors who never got to have a conference championship,” Oliver added.