CODE RED: Texan defense comes up with key turnovers in 42-36 win over Cuero

No shot. Cuero's the favorite. Those are just some of the things Wimberley heard leading up to their state semifinal matchup this week.

"There was a lot of people that doubted us," head coach Doug Warren said. "But I'll tell you who didn't. These kids and these coaches. They always believed and these kids just got better and better each and every week."

Progress was the theme not only for the Texans all season but in their state semifinal matchup as well.

The game started with each team going three and out, before the Texans got on the board first when Sophomore QB Cody Stoever found some room on the right and ran it in from 59-yards out to give the Texans their first lead of the game.

"This season came unexpected for me," said Stoever. "Cash McCollum is an amazing QB you know what he is doing at China Springs and he moved out two weeks before the season started and I just jumped into it."

The Texans would trade scores with the Gobblers until Daylon Gibbs put the Gobblers in front. But a blocked PAT was returned by Lane Patek to put the score at 20-15.

A late touchdown by the Gobblers in the 2nd half gave Cuero a 27-18 lead heading into halftime, but Wimberley had a chance for some points before halftime thanks to the legs of Johnny Ball, who finished the game with 195-yards on the ground. Though the Texans didn't score before halftime, the running from Ball game Wimberley some life heading into the locker room.

"Yeah we just felt like we had to get our guys touches," said coach Warren. "You know the old saying players not plays and we started feeding him (Ball) a little bit and he got rolling."

Ball's first big play came late in the 3rd with the Gobblers holding a five point lead. He would go 64-yards to the house and give the Texans their first lead since the 1st quarter.

"Me and johnny we looked at each other and I was like Johnny you got this you're going to change this game around," said Stoever. "And he did man, he put this team on his back and proved everyone wrong."

From there it was the defense's turn to stand up. Holding on to their one point lead the Texans D came up with a huge interception that led to a field goal then on the next Cuero possession they were able to recover a fumble deep in Gobbler territory to add another touchdown.

"We talk about our code red defense, we hang our hat on that," coach Warren said. "They've been carrying us all year long. Kids have taken a lot of pride in it and they rose up to the occasion especially in the second half and we were able to find a way to win."

The Texans now turn their sights to AT&T statdium for the first time since the 2019/2020 season looking to win their 3rd state title.

"It's just so difficult to get there," said coach Warren "It's unreal and to finally get it done and to be one of the final two standing is outstanding."