With starting QB Gavin Beard out, Aledo relies on run game in victory over Lancaster

It was the second 6A opponent the Aledo Bearcats have faced in as many weeks.

The reigning 5A Division I state champions are focused on preparing themselves as best as they can for their upcoming district schedule. They delivered a 37-27 victory over Lancaster on Friday at Tim Buchanan Stadium.

“It feels good to be back on the winning side,” said head coach Robby Jones. “We didn’t feel very good about last week, but that’s a really good quality football team that we just beat, so you have to feel good about that.”

Aledo was without its starting quarterback Gavin Beard, who Jones said is out with an injury that they’ll learn more about after a doctor’s visit next week.

In his place was sophomore McErlee Nash, who only threw for about 35 yards and had two interceptions. However, Jones said tonight was more about getting varsity experience for Nash in case Beard isn’t available when district play begins. That opened up the opportunity for a run-focused game.

“That was big,” said Jones. “We had a sophomore quarterback with no varsity experience, so we wanted to focus on the run game and not put him in too many high-risk situations.”

Running back Raycine Guillory Jr. finished the game with 167 yards rushing and three touchdowns. 107 yards came in the first half. Running back Kaden Winkfield also scored a 13-yard rushing touchdown to get the Bearcats on the board in the first quarter.

Jones emphasized the importance of special teams complementing the offense.

“That’s a lot different from what we had last week,” he said. “We hurt ourselves last week with special teams but this week we did a really good job.”

Cole Crawford made two field goals, including one from 46 yards out, and Pierce Ling pinned the Tigers at their own 1-yard line. That drive ended in a safety for the Bearcats.

Aledo begins district play on Sept. 13 in a road matchup against Fort Worth Brewer High School.