SAN ANTONIO – As the November playoff season kicks off, local high school football teams are gearing up for intense matchups. This week, Brandeis and Judson collide in a highly anticipated Class 6A Division II bi-district game, featured as the Big Game Coverage Game of the Week.
Brandeis enters the playoffs on a positive note, having finished third in district play. The Broncos, led by head coach Kemmie Lewis, closed their regular season with an impressive five-game winning streak after overcoming a mid-season slump that saw them lose three consecutive games.
“It’s part of the goal to get into the state championship, and you’ve got to play teams like Judson to get there,” Lewis remarked, highlighting the significance of this matchup. Last year, Brandeis reached the area round of the playoffs, but their journey ended with a defeat to Vandegrift, a team that eventually advanced to the state finals.
Now, the Broncos have another opportunity to showcase their skills against a familiar rival. Senior quarterback Wynter Smith expressed the importance of this game, stating, “It’s going to test us and show our character. We want to get that out of the way and handle business.”
Hakim Frampton, a senior athlete for the Broncos, reflected on the significance of the playoffs, saying, “It’s a blessing from God. A lot of people don’t get this opportunity. I’m a 12th grader, so this could be my last game.”
On the other side, Judson enters the bi-district round with its own momentum, also finishing third in district play. This playoff appearance marks a new beginning for the Rockets under head coach Vernon Hughes and a revamped coaching staff.
“Change just brings new opportunity,” said Judson senior safety Myles Wisdom, expressing enthusiasm for the fresh direction of the program. “It was really exciting for all the guys. We love our coaches here.”
Judson seeks to reestablish its presence in the playoffs after several seasons of disappointing outcomes. “We’re happy to make it to the playoffs,” Wisdom added. “We have a positive season that hasn’t happened in about three years now.”
Senior running back Kayden Graham emphasized the importance of continuing the team’s legacy, stating, “We come from a winning program, so we want to keep that going and hopefully get back to those glory days that we talk about.”
The upcoming matchup against Brandeis serves as a litmus test for Judson, showcasing the progress made under new leadership. “We’re ready for the challenge,” Hughes declared. “But that’s a good football team over there; they do a great job, and so we’re expecting to go in for a dogfight.”
As both teams prepare for this crucial clash, the stakes are high, with the winner advancing to the area round of the Class 6A Division II playoffs. Fans can expect an exciting battle filled with skill, determination, and the spirit of competition.
