Facing off with their most played opponent in the playoffs in program history, the Texans defeated the archrival Cuero Gobblers 69-28.
Wimberley advances to the fourth round of the playoffs and improves their record to 11-2 overall.
The Texans struck first against the Gobblers, scoring on an explosive play. Quarterback Cody Stoever hit wide receiver Bryson Anderson on the screen pass before breaking free for a 77-yard touchdown, putting the Texans up 7-0 after the extra point kick from Bo Holman.
The Code Red Defense forced the Gobblers to punt on their first offensive possession, allowing the Texans to take over at their own 46-yard line.
Wimberley struck again when Stoever broke free for a 35yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 14-0.
On their next drive, Cuero drove down to inside the Texan 20yard, looking to get a much needed answer. The Gobblers scored on fourth and goal, cutting the lead down to 14-7.
But the Texan offense had another answer. Driving all the way down to the Cuero four-yard line, Stoever scored his second touchdown of the game, bulldozing his way for the touchdown and extending the lead 21-7.
In the second quarter, the Gobblers once again looked to make it a one possession game. However, the Code Red Defense came up with their first turnover of the game. Defensive back Jace Cutrona intercepted the ball to stop the drive and return it back to the Cuero 26-yard line.
On the next play, Stoever hit wide receiver Jace Morales for the 26-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 28-7.
The Gobblers once again made a deep drive into Texan territory down to the fouryard in an attempt to again cut the deficit down. The Gobblers again scored on fourth and goal, making it a 28-14 game.
Despite the touchdown, the Texans once again had an answer. After completing a long pass to wide receiver Nolan Waida to put the ball on the Cuero 30-yard line, Stoever hit Waida again as the senior took advantage of the falling defensive back and scored from 30 yards out.
Following the Holman extra point kick, Wimberley pushed their lead to 35-14.
Cuero again looked to get a response and drove down to inside the 20-yard line. The Gobblers got their response, scoring on a 16yard touchdown pass to make the score 35-21.
The Gobblers then recover the onside kick who now looked to make it a one-possession game once more. However the Texans stopped Cuero from scoring at halftime to keep the lead at 35-21.
Receiving the ball to start the second half, the Gobblers once again looked to make it a one possession game.
But this time, the Code Red Defense had a response. Linebacker Ty Thames intercepted the pass before returning 41-yards for the touchdown for a back-breaking score. With a little breathing room, Wimberley was now up in front 42-21.
In desperation mode, Cuero again looked to answer back only for the Code Red Defense to come up with their third turnover of the night. The Gobblers fumbled the ball, allowing Luke German to recover the ball and give the Texans good field position at the Cuero 41-yard line.
Taking advantage of the turnover, the Texans scored again. Stoever found Thames for a 34-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 49-21.
Again the Gobblers looked to find an answer only for the Code Red Defense to come up with their fourth turnover of the night as Cutrona picked the ball off for the second time in the game.
On the next play, running back Josh Belanger broke free for a 63-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 56-21.
The Code Red Defense came up with the fourth down stop on the Gobblers next offensive possession, allowing the Texans to take over at the Cuero 38-yard line.
In the fourth quarter, Wimberley scored again when Stoever hit the shovel pass to wide receiver Jace Morales who took it 17 yards for the touchdown, pushing the lead to 62-21.
Quarterback Jackson Parker added the final touchdown of the night for the Texans before Cuero scored their first touchdown of the second half to make the final 69-28.
Stoever passed for 268 yards and five touchdowns for the Texans while rushing for 125 yards on 19 carries and two touchdowns.
Waida caught five passes for 110 yards and one touchdown while Anderson caught two passes for 81 yards and one touchdown.
Belanger was second in rushing with one carry for 63 yards and one touchdown followed by Benji Olmedo with nine carries for 61 yards.
For the 4A Region IV title, the Texans will meet the Sinton Pirates. The Pirates entered the game with a 13-0 record and defeated Lago Vista 35-0.
The last meeting between Wimberley and Sinton came during the 2020 season in the regional semifinals where the Texans defeated the Pirates 35-14.
Kickoff for Wimberley- Sinton is set for 7:30 Friday at Harlandale Memorial Stadium in San Antonio.
