Notable Players:

• Will Peeler, #44, MLB
• John Latham, #10, QB
• Bryson Batts, #1, WR (Army commit)
• Dunaven Kurak, #2, WR
• Nelson Wright, #11, TE
• Reid Childers, #23, RB

The Austin High Maroons embarked on their 2024 season Friday night against Canyon Lake.  In the opening drive of the game, Austin High was forced to punt, allowing Canyon to take an early lead with a deep 75-yard touchdown pass, putting them ahead 7-0.

Following Canyon’s touchdown, they kicked off to Bryson Batts. Despite initially bobbling the kick, Batts managed to secure the ball and returned it 95 yards for a touchdown, evading several defenders. By the end of the first quarter, the score was tied at 7-7.

Batts continued his impressive performance with another strong return, advancing the ball well past the 50-yard line. Although that drive eventually stalled, Austin High’s defense stepped up when Will Peeler recovered a forced fumble and advanced the ball to the 20-yard line. Wide Receiver Dunaven Kurak then scored a touchdown with a goal-line catch.

Austin High’s defense caused a significant play with a huge sack that led to a forced fumble. Linebacker John Burns recovered the ball at Austin High’s 10-yard line. Capitalizing on the turnover, John Latham scored with a 10-yard rushing touchdown.

Canyon responded with a drive that resulted in a 25-yard touchdown pass, leveling the score at 21-21. Austin High’s Luke Renspie made an impressive return, moving the ball well past midfield.

Austin High’s defense made two consecutive sacks, putting them in a strong position. Latham then threw a 45-yard touchdown pass to Bryson Batts, who made the catch in the end zone.

Latham was injured shortly after and was replaced by Whit Davenport. Davenport quickly made an impact, throwing a 25-yard touchdown pass to Jason Martinez, who made a spectacular catch over the Canyon cornerback. Bryson Batts added another score with a 20-yard touchdown, marking his third touchdown of the game.

In the fourth quarter, Canyon managed to score another touchdown, but Austin High sealed their victory with a crucial field goal. The final score was 45-35. The crowd erupted as the Maroons celebrated their first significant win of the season. According to Miles Kim, cornerback, ”It was a good team, but we were well prepared for them, and it showed.”