Wimberley reaches 8-0 with 80-18 rout of Manor New Tech

Wimberley improved its record to 8-0 and 4-0 in district play after defeating Manor New Tech 80-18 on Friday night at Texan Stadium. The Texans sealed the District 14-4A Division II crown with the win, which marked their final home game before a potential postseason run.

The offensive production centered on sophomore Jakari Washington and senior Josh Belanger. The two running backs combined for 101 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. Washington also added a 28-yard receiving touchdown, while Belanger accounted for three scores on the ground. Quarterback Jackson Ketter contributed two passing touchdowns, extending the Texans' scoring depth.

Special teams played a decisive role in the margin of victory. The Wimberley unit forced four turnovers and generated explosive returns that placed the offense in favorable field position. Aiden Patek returned a punt 58 yards for a touchdown with under three minutes left in the first quarter. Washington also returned a kickoff to the 1-yard line, setting up a quick Belanger score.

Manor New Tech, which fell to 5-4, managed two second-half scores but could not close the gap. The Titans’ Legend Williams threw an 84-yard touchdown pass to Jordyn Hopkins in the first quarter. Davion Lewis returned a kickoff for a touchdown and later caught a 36-yard pass for a score, providing the only points for the visitors in the second half.

The game served as a farewell event for the Wimberley senior class. Following the final whistle, the senior players and students walked to midfield for a traditional celebration. Some students were seen crying as they reflected on the end of their high school careers. Belanger described the moment as emotionally intense, noting that the experience of playing on the field for the last time hit harder than expected.

Coach Lambert praised the team's execution, stating that the players worked hard on every down and played for one another. He highlighted the energy generated by the special teams’ big plays, which he said sparked the offense. The Texans will look to finish the regular season undefeated when they face Eastside Early College next week.

If Wimberley wins that matchup, the program will complete an undefeated regular season for the first time since 2023. The team now aims to reach the state championship, which would require winning seven more games over the next two months.