Lacy's 672 Yards Lead Water Valley to Win Over No. 1 Rankin

WATER VALLEY, TX — The Water Valley Wildcats got their revenge against the No. 1-ranked Rankin Red Devils, 93-90, Friday night at Diddle Young Field.

Water Valley's Branson Lacy produced 672 yards of total offense and 12 touchdowns to lead his team to a win that will shake up the state rankings.

Last season, Rankin and Water Valley went 1-1 as the Wildcats got the better of the Red Devils during the regular season, 67-20. Then in the state semifinals, Rankin upset Water Valley, 54-46.

A third matchup was set Friday, and after a brief lightning delay, the game was under way. The first quarter was a scoring bonanza, with both teams combining for 57 points.

The shootout continued with each team scoring 22 points and Rankin taking a 52-49 lead into halftime.

Lacy scored on a pair of TD runs in the third quarter to give Water Valley a 65-52 lead heading into the fourth quarter, and the Wildcats hung on through a wild final 10 minutes that saw 66 points scored.

Water Valley answered one Rankin score after another before finally running out the clock on the 93-90 win.

Lacy had 23 carries for 412 yards and nine TDs, and he threw for 260 yards and three TDs on 9-of-13 passing.

Lacy also added a whopping 22 tackles on defense, while Hudson Weise had 16 stops and Lance Doss had 13.

Water Valley's top receiver was Bronson Holland with four catches for 129 yards and two TDs. Cole Baker also hauled in a 60-yard TD.

Doss had six carries for 62 yards and a TD.

Rankin had three 100-yard rushers, led by Kayin Hanna with 18 carries for 253 yards and four TDs. Matthew Ramos had 10 carries for 117 yards and two TDs, while Hunter Amthor had nine carries for 115 yards and one TD.

Chase Gerick threw for 144 yards and two TDs on 6-of-9 passing.

Water Valley (2-0) will host No. 10-ranked Sands next week, while Rankin will be at home against Westbrook.