Teague Lion defensive back and punt returner J’Kybryan Harris lit up the opening night with three returns for touchdowns in a dominating 28-7 win over the New Waverly Bulldogs Friday night on the road.
The Lions and Bulldogs battled to a scoreless tie in the first quarter, but the Lions offense, after falling behind 7-0, mounted a drive that would end in a score. Senior quarterback Zak Leija dropped to pass and found sophomore Bryce Bates for the 16-yard touchdown. The two-point conversion was good, and the Lions took an 8-7 second quarter lead.
The Teague defense continued their dominance throughout the first half and made their presence show up in the box score. Harris stepped in front of a pass at midfield and raced untouched for a 52-yard pick six and the Lions extended their lead. They would take a 14-7 halftime lead.
The Lions special teams would shine brightest in the second half. Harris took a punt with a big roll and scooped it up and weaved his way through the Bulldog defenders on his way to a 78-yard punt return touchdown and the 21-7 lead.
Teague had one more highlight before the evening was finished. A long Bulldog punt, trying to keep it away from Harris, was fielded and Harris came up the sideline and completed his second punt return touchdown and third of the night, this one from 90 yards. The lead would extend to 28-7 and that would be the final score.
Teague will return home for their home opener on Friday night when the host 2A State Finalist Tolar. Tolar lost to Peaster on the opening night matchup 10-0. The Lions and Rattlers will face off in the second game of the season and it is set for a 7pm kickoff.
