KARNES CITY – With a chance at the outright District 15-2A Division II championship on the line on Friday night, the Karnes City Badgers took on the Dilley Wolves in order to accomplish the goal that they had set from the beginning of the season. With their rushing offense and stalwart defense remaining strong, the Badgers defeated the Wolves by the score of 34-0 to claim the district championship and a first round “bye” in the Class 2A Division II playoffs.

“Setting goals is a big thing, not just in high school but in life,” said Karnes City head coach Jim Wood. “We kept our sights on the goal and I’m proud of the kids for accomplishing all we set out to do.”

Both of the Badgers’ scores in the first half came in the first quarter. The first was at the 8:09 mark as Dylan Wright scored on a 4-yard run, though the kick failed. The second was with 59 seconds to go as Wright scored once more, on a 3-yard run, with John Garcia’s kick putting the lead at 13-0. The lead stood through the second quarter and into halftime.

The Badgers scored twice in the third quarter. The first came with 10:53 left on a 46-yard run by Nick Adams, with Garcia’s kick finding its’ mark. The second came with 1:48 on the clock as Wright scored his third and final touchdown of the game on a 1-yard run. Garcia’s extra point extended the lead to 27-0 to end the third quarter.

The fourth quarter’s lone score and the final score of the contest came at the 2:45 mark as Dylan Lopez punched it in on a 9-yard run, with Garcia’s PAT putting the final tally at 34-0.

“Our offensive line’s really coming together and becoming more and more physical,” said Wood. “We were able to take advantage and made plays when we needed to.”

Statistically, the Badgers gained 298 yards of total offense, with 222 yards rushing over 48 carries and 76 yards passing over seven completions. The Wolves were held to 97 yards of total offense, with 30 yards rushing over 21 attempts and 67 yards passing over six completions. The penalty total favored Karnes City as the Badgers were flagged eight times for 70 total yards and the Wolves were flagged 12 times for 88 total yards. The Badgers’ lone turnover was an interception, whereas the Wolves lost a fumble and threw two interceptions.

“That’s one reason why our offense is clicking,” said Wood. Our defense gets us the ball back. Our defense takes it to heart to get a stop.”

This week, the Badgers will have a “Bye” in the bi-district round. Karnes City will face the winner of the Danbury vs. Blanco game in the area round.

“We’re going to start working on a game plan,” said Wood. “We’re going to go back to fundamentals and treat it like a regular bye week.”

Information on the Badgers’ area round contest will be posted online at www.mysoutex.com as soon as it becomes available.