Junction Pulls Away From Granger to Set Up Rematch With No. 1 Shiner

JOHNSON CITY, TX — The No. 4-ranked Junction Eagles pulled away in the second half for a 42-14 win over No. 6 Granger on Friday, setting up a rematch with No. 1 Shiner in the state quarterfinals.

Junction’s breakthrough season last year came to an end against Shiner in a 27-0 loss.

Now the Eagles are back with another chance to knock off the four-time state champions. The Comanches reached the state final last year and last won a title in 2021.

“It’s definitely what we want. Junction’s been wanting this for an entire year,” Junction head coach Scott Freeman said. “We’re ready to get this rocking and rolling. It’s a quality program in Shiner, but we’re excited for this opportunity.”

With Friday’s win, Junction improved to 13-0, officially making it the winningest season in program history, just one season after the Eagles won 12 games for the first time ever.

It didn’t come easy on a misty night against another team that entered the game with an undefeated record.

Junction jumped out to a 21-0 lead against Granger, sparked by a 69-yard return for a touchdown on the game’s opening kickoff by Brock Bierschwale.

The Eagles added scores in the second quarter on an 18-yard run by Aydin O’Brien and a 20-yard run by Koda Bierschwale.

Granger’s Caleb Hobratsch scored on a 3-yard run with 1:17 left in the first half to pull the Lions within 21-7 at halftime.

Granger scored again with 7:16 left in the third quarter on a run by Caleb Tucker to make things interesting before Junction finished strong.

Quarterback Chasen Doyal’s 3-yard TD run gave Junction a 27-14 lead, and Bode Bierschwale’s 8-yard run made it 35-14 in the final minute of the third quarter.

Bode Bierschwale added another TD run with 4:26 remaining to ice the win.

Junction’s defense was led by Hunter Dale, who had two interceptions. Casen Roberts also had an INT in the fourth quarter.

“It’s awesome,” Freeman said. “Anytime you can play in December, it’s a great feeling. I’m proud of these boys and I’m proud for this community. I couldn’t be more excited right now.”