Lone Star Dominates Second Half to Top Wakeland, 34–13
Photographed by: Reed Rymsza
Two undefeated rivals lined up under the Ford Center lights with district supremacy, playoff positioning, and local bragging rights on the line. In the end, a balanced, opportunistic performance by Lone Star propelled the Rangers to a 34–13 victory over Wakeland in this key District 5-5A Division I matchup.
First Half — Tight Battle Through Two Quarters
The opening half featured a physical, evenly matched fight between two explosive offenses. Wakeland struck early, mixing power runs and intermediate passes to keep Lone Star on its heels. The Wolverines drove into Lone Star territory multiple times and capped a sustained scoring drive with a touchdown run to go up 7–0 midway through the first quarter.
Lone Star answered with a field goal in the first quarter and an early second-quarter score, tying the game 10–10 as both teams settled in. A key sequence late in the second saw Wakeland convert a red-zone opportunity to retake the lead, but Lone Star capitalized on a special teams miscue to knot the score at 13–13 at halftime.
Second Half — Rangers Take Control
The tone of the game shifted quickly after halftime. Lone Star’s defense stiffened, forcing pivotal stops and flipping field position. A decisive play came early in the third quarter when Lone Star defensive back Bryant Robinson intercepted a Wakeland pass and returned it 84 yards for a touchdown. That swing — both in points and momentum — gave the Rangers a lead they would never relinquish.
From that point, Lone Star’s offense picked up steam behind a potent rushing attack led by junior running back Karece Hoyt. Hoyt gashed the Wolverines’ front, most notably on a 17-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter that put the game well out of reach.
Key Performances & Stats
Karece Hoyt (RB, Lone Star): Finished with 122 rushing yards and two touchdowns, consistently breaking tackles and flipping field position.
Trey Wright (QB, Lone Star): Posted 106 rushing yards with a rushing TD, plus 157 passing yards and a touchdown pass, showcasing true dual-threat capability.
Davian Groce (Lone Star): Electrified in the return game with 99 yards on punts and 100 on kickoffs, frequently setting up favorable field position.
Total Offense: Lone Star outgained Wakeland 410 to 301 yards, underscoring their balanced attack and control of the line of scrimmage.
Game Turning Points
84-yard pick-six late in Q3: Shook Wakeland’s confidence and flipped the scoreboard.
Lone Star’s second-half run: After halftime, the Rangers outscored Wakeland 21-0, turning a tie into a decisive win.
Special teams impact: Groce’s return yardage repeatedly set up Lone Star in plus territory