Junction Eagles Ranked No. 11 in State in Class 2A Division II

JUNCTION, TX — Despite losing the majority of last year’s team that won 13 games for the first time in program history, the Junction Eagles have earned the respect of a high state ranking this fall.

Junction will enter this season No. 11 in the state in the Class 2A Division II rankings released by Texas Football on Friday.

Junction returns only two starters on offense and four on defense from last year’s team that reached the state quarterfinals for the second consecutive year.

Head coach Scott Freeman is back for his sixth season with the Eagles, and he has built a program that went 3-7 and winless in district in 2021 into a state power.

However, the Eagles will have to replace numerous playmakers — including quarterback Chasen Doyal, running back Aydin O’Brien, tight end Bode Bierschwale, offensive linemen Quade Sullivan and Kaden Haak, linebackers Bryan Gonzales and Crue Levien, and utility player Brock Bierschwale.

They have a few standout returners to lean on such as Casen Roberts, a first-team all-district pick at wide receiver and defensive back. He had 20 catches for 522 yards and eight touchdowns, along with 79 tackles and six interceptions.

Koda Bierschwale was also first-team all-district on both sides of the ball. He had 90 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and four INTs as a linebacker, and added 474 receiving yards, 249 rushing yards and 11 combined TDs on offense.

Hunter Dale is another key starter back who had five interceptions last year as a defensive back.

Defensive end Leo Silva is a sneaky returner as he missed all of district play with a torn MCL before making a “huge impact” in the playoffs, Freeman said. 

In addition to three playoff wins, Junction’s 13-1 season last year was highlighted by its first win over rival Mason since 2006. Their rematch in Week 4 this year in Junction — with Mason ranked No. 5 in Class 2A Division I — will be a game to watch.

Junction also has a big test in Week 3 at home against Ozona (No. 16 in 2A D-I) and in its season opener at Goldthwaite (No. 13 in 2A D-II).

Junction remains the favorite to win its third straight title in District 14-2A Division II. The Eagles won’t potentially face Shiner for a third straight year in the state quarterfinals, however, as the Comanches have moved up to 2A Division I.

The top 10 teams in 2A D-II are Bremond, Stratford, Ropes, Gruver, Collinsville, Albany, Windthorst, Wink, Chilton and Wellington.

No. 1 Bremond has been realigned into Region IV this year with Junction, so the Tigers could be the new team to beat if Junction wants to get out of the region.