The Richland Springs Coyotes began their playoff run with a 64-6 victory over the Zephyr Bulldogs for the Area Championship after a bye in their first round of the playoffs due to forfeits by Calvert and Buckholts. The Coyotes generated 290 yards of total offense – 240 rushing and 50 passing, making their record 12-0 for the season.
Billy Perry (#17) led the Coyotes with 109 rushing yards and three touchdowns while Cohen Ethridge (#13) contributed 105 yards and three rushing scores. Perry also completed a 50-yard pass to Hutton Rogers (#9) who scored on a 22-yard rush. Gage Behrens (#20) scored off of a fumble recovery, and Ethan Deeds (#8) successfully converted eight PATs into 16 points for the Coyotes.
The Coyotes executed their defensive attack well, only allowing one score for the Bulldogs. EJ Aviles (#5) had six tackles and one sack, followed by Ethridge with an additional six tackles. Perry tacked on another five tackles, two sacks, and a fumble recovery; while Jim Eckermann (#1) added another four tackles and two sacks to the total. Behrens added another four tackles and a sack along with Rush Norris (#3) who added seven tackles for the Coyote defense.
The Coyotes will take on the Oglesby Tigers (10-2) for the Region IV Championship game on Friday, November 29th. Kickoff is at 2:00 p.m. at the Belton ISD Stadium. Tickets for this matchup must be purchased online, so please visit the Belton ISD Box Office website to secure your tickets prior to the game. Best of luck to the Coyote players and coaching staff!