Weatherford wins 28-14 at Azle

The Weatherford Kangaroos won 28-14 on the road at Azle on Friday, Sept. 4.

Weatherford (1-1) had the perfect start to the game. After its defense forced a three-and-out, the offense marched down the field with good perimeter throws and designed runs leading to running back D.J. Quimby scoring from three-yards out. Weatherford led 7-0.

Azle tied the score, converting on a fourth down from the goal line as quarterback Auston Morgan found Mason Dixon for the three-yard touchdown.

In the second quarter the teams exchanged back-to-back turnovers. The Roos defensive back Kolton Hampton intercepted a pass, but a bad handoff exchange on offense gave the ball right back to the Hornets.

Later in the quarter Weatherford executed an offensive drive that saw quarterback Braelyn Jones get to the outside and score on a five-yard run to put the Roos up 14-7 heading into halftime.

Azle nearly tied the score, but a penalty called the play back before the Roos eventually got the stop. The Weatherford offense then took advantage with Jones racing up the middle for a 45-yard touchdown, putting his team up 21-7. That score would hold heading into the fourth quarter.

The Hornets got a big play on defense when Gage Dagley intercepted a pass at midfield and returned it all the way to the Roos 9-yard line. Weatherford's defense stepped up and made Azle go backwards before forcing a turnover on downs and allowing no points.

Later in the quarter, the Hornets did cut the lead down to one score as Morgan found Dixon out of the backfield for a 14-yard touchdown on his sideline, cutting Weatherford's lead down to 21-14 midway through the quarter.

The Roos offense moved the ball down the field while burning some clock up before Jones again made plays with his legs, running up the middle for a 23-yard touchdown that proved to be the dagger.

Azle nearly scored in the final seconds, getting down to the 1-yard line, but ran out of time.

Weatherford coach Marshall Williams knows there are things to work on offensively, especially with the unit committing two more turnovers after doing the same last week, but said he was proud overall of his team and how they played and prepared for this game.

"Can't speak enough about the effort our kids are playing with," Williams said. "Special teams was light years better today. We made some strides from last week, but we play a hungry Paschall team on a short week. We have to utilize three days of practice to get better. I am eager to see them on a Monday after a win. I saw how they were this Monday after a loss. The body language and attention to detail and how you approach a week is something I am looking forward to seeing on Monday."

Williams also shouted out the defensive unit, which kept the pass-happy Hornets in check all night and limited them to 14 points, including two goal line stands.

"Defensive coordinator (Jacob) Holley is doing an amazing job," Williams said. "He is so passionate about getting 11 guys to the football. It doesn't matter where it is dispersed and they are doing that. We are missing tackles still, but as far as the effort and rushing the passer. Our defensive line was really impressive today."

Weatherford is scheduled to play its final non-district game at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at (0-2) Paschal.