(Mission, Texas)-A rain-soaked Mission Veterans (7-4) head football coach, Dave GILPIN showed his emotions as they defeated Valley View HS (3-8) 43-6 in the Class 5A Division II Bi-District Championships played at Tom Landry Hall of Fame Stadium in Mission on Friday night.
The win sends the 16-5A tri-champions, Patriots to Shirley Field next Friday night in Laredo against 13-5A champions, SA Pieper HS (10-1) with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m.
The Pieper Warriors are in the playoffs for the first time in school history since 2021 and defeated SA Sam Houston 33-0 in the first round of the playoffs. The Pieper Warriors started UIL play in 2021 going 1-4, 2-8, and 10-1 this season. The Warriors are led by 6’5 quarterback Jake South (2,921 yards passing 34 TDs) and his favorite targets WR Nolan Doss (850 yards) and WR Jake Strachan (678 yards) will be players to watch on Friday night. Offensively, the Warriors are led by OT 6’3 275lb Brayden Saekoaleo, 6’2 280lbs Jonthan Hebert, and 6’3 240lb Hyrim McCarter. Defensively, the Warriors have 17 interceptions for the season against their opponents along with 16 fumble recoveries.
The Patriots are just the same. Senior QB Braeden Luedeker leads the team with 3,228 yards passing, 1,245 yards rushing and 50 combine touchdowns. His favorite targets are WR Obed Marin (984,yards), WR Abel Lucio (835yards), and WR Vince Abrego (521 yards).
Fans can expect to watch a shootout on Friday night. (HSSMImages/Garcia)
