Robert Lee Routs Ira for First Playoff Win Since 2012

STERLING CITY, TX — The Robert Lee Steers gave their fans a thrill last season in their first-round playoff game.

This time, the Steers gave their town a long-awaited playoff trophy.

One year after losing a high-scoring classic to Westbrook, the Steers beat Ira 60-14 on Friday in a matchup of Top 10 teams to open the Class 1A Division I playoffs.

It was a rematch of a Week 3 meeting that Robert Lee won by the exact same score.

"It means a lot," Robert Lee head coach Lee McCown said of the playoff win. "You know, these guys worked so hard and set the goals to be at this point. And to get that bidistrict win, we're just having a lot of fun right now, and we hope to keep it going."

The No. 6-ranked Steers improved to 10-1 and advanced to the regional round next week against Turkey Valley (5-6) at a site and time to be determined.

No. 10 Ira’s season ended with a record of 8-3.

Brenner Sherwood threw two TD passes to Wyatt Bosworth, and he ended the game with a 30-yard TD run with 1:37 left in the third quarter for the 45-point mercy rule.

Sherwood also had the game's biggest play when he intercepted a pass on the goal line and returned it 80 yards for a touchdown on the final play of the first half.

Ira had the ball on the 2-yard line when the play began, and what could have been the Bulldogs pulling within 30-16 at halftime turned into Robert Lee leading 38-8 after the momentum-swinging play.

"Playmakers make plays in games like this, and he's a playmaker," McCown said of Sherwood. "And that was a huge, huge momentum changer right there."

"I was just sitting in my zone. I saw (the Ira quarterback) cock it back, and I made a play on the ball, and it was over from there," Sherwood said.

Josh Garcez had two TD runs for Robert Lee, along with a TD catch.

Robert Lee's defense stepped up Friday and forced five turnovers. Sherwood had two interceptions and a fumble recovery.

Nate Samaniego had an interception, and Edward Samaniego had the game's first TD when he recovered a fumble and returned it for a score in the opening minute.

"Coach (Steven) Hayes is our defensive coordinator, and he does a great job with them," McCown said. "I'm proud of our defense doing what they did tonight. When you're able to play good defense like that, it sure makes things a lot smoother."

Robert Lee's season ended last year with a 116-110 loss to Westbrook that was the sixth-highest scoring game in state history.

While the loss stung, the Steers returned the majority of their team and have put together a season to remember.

"We had so much confidence, especially after last year and returning so many starters. We had a lot of seniority, and we just knew it'd be a fun season," Sherwood said.

Sherwood had 18 carries for 129 yards against Ira, and he was 9-of-15 passing for 147 yards. Bosworth had four catches for 91 yards.

Ira had a seven-game winning streak heading into the night, dating back to its last loss against Robert Lee.

"It's tough to beat somebody twice, it is," McCown said. "And they have gotten better. Coach (Jess) Wall over there does a great job. They got better as the season went on, and they fought hard. So it makes it an accomplishment to do that twice."

Robert Lee 60, Ira 14

Ira                   8   0   6   x — 14

Robert Lee   24   14   22   x — 60

First Quarter

RL - Edward Samaniego 8 fumble return (Brenner Sherwood kick), 9:02 remaining

RL - Josh Garcez 3 run (Sherwood kick), 5:36

I - Hudson Luft 18 pass from Keevan Santos (Ivan Gallegos kick), 4:22

RL - Wyatt Bosworth 19 pass from Sherwood (Sherwood kick), 1:41

Second Quarter

RL - Garcez 17 pass from Sherwood (kick failed), 6:23

RL - Sherwood 80 interception return (Sherwood kick), :00

Third Quarter

 RL - Garcez 6 run (Sherwood kick), 8:41

I - Dalton Abalos 11 run (kick failed), 6:04

RL - Bosworth 39 pass from Sherwood (Sherwood kick), 5:43

RL - Sherwood 30 run (game over), 1:37