By Steve Thomas
Special to the Austin Sports Journal
CEDAR PARK – Lightning was not just striking from the skies over Gupton Stadium.
After streaking to a 60-34 win over Manor last week, the Bowie Bulldogs (2-) bolted to a fast start against the Vista Ridge Rangers and rolled to a 37-28 win in a soggy Thursday night game.
“We knew they were going to play us hard and fight until the end; and we found a way to get it done this year,” said Bowie head coach Jeff Ables.
Last year, Vista Ridge got the upper hand and defeated the Bulldogs 21-14. The Rangers (1-1) had some brilliant flashes on offense, but the Bulldogs made several big plays to hinder the surge.
More photos
Bowie’s Tyler Sharp (48) tackles’ Deshaun Castillo (2) of Vista Ridge during a high school football game at Gupton Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 in Cedar Park, Texas. (Ursula Rogers for the Austin Sports Journal) 
Vista Ridge’s JR Jackson (13) is tackled by Wyatt Barnes (34) of Bowie during a high school football game at Gupton Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 in Cedar Park, Texas. (Ursula Rogers for the Austin Sports Journal) 
Vista RIdge’s Deshaun Castillo (2) runs with the ball during a high school football game at Gupton Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 in Cedar Park, Texas. (Ursula Rogers for the Austin Sports Journal) 
Bowie’s Owen Ball (3) checks his position with an official during a high school football game at Gupton Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 in Cedar Park, Texas. (Ursula Rogers for the Austin Sports Journal) 
Bowie’s Kayshon Mathabela (24) is all smiles after scoring a touchdown in the Bulldogs win over Vista Ridge at Gupton Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 in Cedar Park, Texas. (Ursula Rogers for the Austin Sports Journal) 
Vista Ridge’s Jake Pando (1) runs in motion while quarterback Kaden Arnot (7) awaits the snap during a high school football game at Gupton Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 in Cedar Park, Texas. (Ursula Rogers for the Austin Sports Journal) 
Vista Ridge’s JD Jackson (13) is pursued by Jackson Long (0) of Bowie during a high school football game at Gupton Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 in Cedar Park, Texas. (Ursula Rogers for the Austin Sports Journal) 
Bwoei’s Kayson Mathabela (24) celebrates after a touchdown during a high school football game at Gupton Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 in Cedar Park, Texas. (Ursula Rogers for the Austin Sports Journal) 
Vista Ridge’s Jake Pando (1) estakes the tackle from Aedan Solis (40 of Bowie during a high school football game at Gupton Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 in Cedar Park, Texas. (Ursula Rogers for the Austin Sports Journal) 
Vista Ridge’s Ben Reed (11) checks his position with an official during a high school football game at Gupton Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 in Cedar Park, Texas. (Ursula Rogers for the Austin Sports Journal)
The Bulldogs were in control early in the first half.
After forcing the Rangers to punt on the opening drive, Owen booted a 35-yard field goal for an early lead.
Defensive back Taylor Gibbs’s interception then ended Vista Ridge’s possession after two plays. The Bulldogs capitalized with a methodical drive culminating in a 17-yard touchdown grab by Owen Ball from quarterback Cruz Tello.
Midway through the second quarter, Bowie defensive back Aeden Solis jumped in front of Vista Ridge quarterback Kaden Arnott’s pass and returned it 49 yards for a touchdown.
The Rangers were able to gain some momentum on the next drive. Arnott connected with receiver Kieren Paegle for a one-yard touchdown toss shortly before halftime, but the Bulldogs blocked the extra point and took a 17-6 lead into the locker room.
Vista Ridge rallied last week to defeat Killeen after being down 21-0. The Rangers looked for a similar spark in the second half. However, the resilient Bulldogs held off any second half magic.
Vista Ridge was able to claw their way back into the game early in the second half. After forcing the Bowie to punt on the opening drive of the second half, Arnott found the end zone on a two-yard quarterback keeper. The Rangers faked the extra-point attempt and converted the two-point try to cut the Bulldogs lead to three. However, the Bulldogs responded on the next possession with a one-yard touchdown keeper by Tello.
On the ensuing drive, the Rangers encountered a major setback., Arnott took a massive hit and missed the rest of the game. Junior quarterback Cameron Lacek stepped in and performed admirably.
Receiver DeShaun Castillo capped of the drive with a 13-yard touchdown run. After the touchdown, defensive back Seth Jupe made a huge play with an interception at the Bowie 36-yard line.
Following the interception, the Vista Ridge drive stalled out at the Bowie 32-yard line.
Down 23-21 in the fourth quarter, Vista Ridge Head Coach Chad Scott turned to his kicker, Clarence Deiparine, for a 49-yard field goal but the Bulldogs blocked the attempt.
One play later, Bowie running back Kayson Mathabela scored on a 44-yard touchdown run. However, Vista Ridge’s JD Jackson kept the Rangers within striking distance with a 19-yard touchdown run.
Bowie wasn’t to be denied as Cruz connected with Rowen Wells for a late 18-yard touchdown pass to secure the win.
