Mansfield Tigers cruise past Lake Ridge with dynamic passing attack to stay undefeated

It takes an elite mix of talent, chemistry, and preparation to go undefeated through six weeks of Texas high school football.

Mansfield (6-0) has shown signs of dominance and continued a fantastic stretch with a 49-14 victory over Mansfield Lake Ridge on Oct. 3 at Vernon Newsom Stadium. The Tigers are No. 5 in the Star-Telegram’s Class 6A rankings.

The Tigers missed the playoffs last season in a district of doom with Duncanville, DeSoto and more. Now, Mansfield has firmly inserted itself in the conversation of District 3-6A playoff contenders and could even compete for a district title. However, the Tigers must still deal with a powerhouse: North Crowley.

Against Lake Ridge, the dominant receiving duo of junior Zion Robinson and senior Jacobe Hayes, a UNT commit, proved highly effective. Robinson has offers from Oklahoma, TCU, Texas, Texas A&M and more.

To start the game, quarterback Braxton Van Cleave unloaded a deep ball to Hayes for a 33-yard touchdown. After a Lake Ridge turnover on downs, Van Cleave once again found Hayes; this time, it was an 11-yard touchdown.

After another defensive stand, Van Cleave notched his third passing touchdown with a short pass to Robinson, who ran 32 yards to the end zone.

Before the halftime break, running back Jayden Vasquez broke free for a 79-yard touchdown, and Hayes added his third touchdown with a 27-yard rush.

In the third quarter, Robinson notched his second touchdowns; he caught a short pass, received a block, and shook off defenders for a 35-yard score.

Robinson also scored in the fourth quarter, flashing some speed on a streak to record a 52-yard score.

Mansfield will play Crowley at home on Oct. 10, and Lake Ridge will play North Crowley at Crowley ISD Stadium on Oct. 11.