Richland Springs returned to the win column Friday night with an impressive offensive performance, defeating the Whitharral Panthers 73-50 in Baird. The victory improved the Coyotes to 5-1 on the season as they wrapped up non-district play and turned their attention toward the start of the district schedule.
The Coyotes piled up 380 yards of total offense, including 276 yards rushing and 104 yards through the air. Richland Springs leaned heavily on its ground game, with Evan Deeds and Layne Ward combining for 275 rushing yards and six touchdowns. Deeds led the way with 144 yards rushing and three touchdowns while also throwing for 42 yards. Ward added 131 yards and three rushing touchdowns. He also contributed in the passing game with 27 yards through the air and caught two passes for 45 yards, including another touchdown. Brice Roesler made an impact in several areas of the offense. He threw a 35yard touchdown pass, scored on a 1-yard run and finished with two receptions for 46 yards. AJ Rosales recorded two catches for 10 yards, Ian McKinnerney added a 10-yard reception, and Conner Greenwood hauled in a 1-yard catch.
While the offense kept the scoreboard moving, several Coyotes turned in strong defensive performances. McKinnerney paced Richland Springs with 11 tackles. Ward and Deeds each recorded 10 tackles, while Roesler and Matthew Woerndell finished with eight apiece. Rosales contributed five tackles.
Richland Springs opens District 8-A Division II play against undefeated Cherokee, setting up an early district showdown between two highly regarded programs. With non-district play behind them, the 5-1 Coyotes now have their sights set on making a strong start to the district race.