La Grange Leopard Football - La Grange, Texas, USA

Week 0 - La Grange vs. Bay City:

The La Grange Leopards opened the season with a tough game against 4A Bay City Black Cats. The Black Cats rolled into town, September 1, with all their fanfare: charter buses, inflatable tunnel, smoke machine, mascots, etc., . . . and lots of size and speed. In spite of La Grange's possessing the ball a total of 34 minutes out of the 48 minutes of the game, the Leopards were unable to overcome five turnovers and three big plays. However, the Leopards did execute their game plan well and maintained good ball control.

The Lep's first drive stalled and was followed with a 48-yard punt that pinned the Cats on their own two yard line. Their first play from scrimmage lost a yard, and some Leps thought the quarterback actually was downed in the end zone for a safety. The very next play found the Black Cats in the end zone for the first touchdown of the game -a 99 yard touchdown pass and run.

The Leopards had opportunities to score, but could not capitalize. The Leopards went into the locker room down 7-0 with a missed opportunity to score right before the half when a pass was intercepted in the end zone.

LG vs. Bay City

The second half was a struggle for the Leps with more Leopard turnovers and big plays from the Cats. Again La Grange got in scoring territory, but could not convert. Finally, with 8:03 left in the game, La Grange scored and kicked the extra point. The final score was 28-7, Black Cats.

La Grange beat Bay City statistically in the following areas with more first downs, rushing yardage, and time of possession. Playing a ranked 4A team was a good learning experience and preparation for the upcoming games, especially district.

Week 1 - La Grange vs. Giddings:

The La Grange Leopards were looking for their first season win after their season opener with Bay City. The Giddings Buffaloes were their target to do just that.

The Buffs opened the La Grange Homecoming game with a threatening drive all the way down to LG's 3-yard line before fumbling the opportunity away. This break in momentum seemingly set the stage for the rest of the game. The Leopards got on track with their third possession when they set up their first touchdown from Gidding's 24.

The Leps held a commanding lead at the half, 21-0. The second half would prove to be a little more productive for the Buffs, but La Grange would add to their lead as well. Both teams experienced turnovers, but ultimately, the Leps would come out on top.

The final score was 34-14, and the Leopards were glad to give the homecoming fans the season's first victory.

Week 2 - La Grange vs. Sealy:

The Leopards traveled to Sealy, on Friday, September 15, to take on the Tigers for their Homecoming Game. The whole scenario was somewhat reminiscent of another year - 1996! The television cameras were in place, the pre-game and halftime activities performed, and the Leopards and Tigers on the field. Tension and anticipation were in the air.

The first quarter served for getting the Leps' nerves in check. Sealy would get on the board first after recovering a LG fumbled punt return. But the Leopards would answer

back by taking possession and scoring on the first play from scrimmage. Kevin Ulrich would break tackles to take it over 83 yards for the touchdown. The PAT was good making it LG 7, Sealy 3. Possession traded hands between the two teams until the Leps fumbled yet another time. But from that point on, the Leopards would regain their composure to take control.

La Grange would dominate the rest of the game with both the offense and defense executing very well. At halftime, the Leps were leading 21-10. The second half would be more of the same - LG! The Tigers did manage to put up one touchdown during the fourth quarter, but the final score was La Grange 38, Sealy 16.

Week 3 - La Grange vs. Gonzales:

The Gonzales Apaches were looking for revenge and found just that in their upset victory over the Leopards. Fueled by a vengeance from last year's Leps come from behind victory, the Apaches were ready to play ball.

Not to take any thing away from the Apaches, though, it was really the Leps who beat themselves. The Leopards stopped themselves with missed tackles, two turnovers, and fumbles they didn't lose but cost them first downs.

The Leps did score first and had a 7-0 lead at halftime. The Apaches would not tie the game until the end of the third quarter. The teams would continue to exchange possessions and punts, and then with 4:17 left in the game, Gonzales took the lead on a 65-yard run which shook 3-4 tackles. The PAT was missed leaving the score Gonzales 13, La Grange 7.

The Leopards were stalled on their next possession, but the Leps would have yet another try to go ahead when a Gonzales fumble was recovered at their 37 with 1:27 left in the game. However, fate would have it that the first play from scrimmage would be intercepted, and Gonzales would kneel the ball to run out the clock.

Week 4 - La Grange vs. St. Thomas:

The La Grange Leopards got back on track with their victory over the St. Thomas Eagles. The Leps dominated St. Thomas both offensively and defensively the entire game.

The offense made big plays that provided momentum, and the defense contained St. Thomas well - particularly their outstanding running back. The Leopards scored on their first five possessions with four drives consisting of four plays and one drive of one play. The Leps held a commanding lead of 34-0 at halftime.

St. Thomas would score two touchdowns during the second half, and La Grange would add an additional 13 points of their own making the final score LG 47 and St. Thomas 14.

Week 5 - Open Date