4th & Long: Smithson Valley JV White’s Physicality Gives Cavaliers Pause on Joining Hill Country Youth Football League
The excitement and anticipation for the 2025 Smithson Valley Youth Football season to begin was palpable. You probably couldn’t go to the checkout counter at the grocery store or pump gas without hearing someone talk about how good the SV organization will be across the board this year. The buzz has been especially loud for the JV A White team who returned all but two first graders from last year’s dominant Freshmen Blue squad that finished a perfect 10-0. The questions just kept getting louder and louder for this team in the offseason. How would this team remain focused with all the offseason attention? Would the roster turnover challenge team chemistry? Can the players and staff adjust to the new rules? Would giving up the Defensive Coordinator duties to longtime Assistant Coach Ted Bryant affect Head Coach Scott Shepperd’s game day preparation? Well, the JV A White squad used Week 1 to answer those questions. They responded by overwhelming the Lake Travis Cavaliers and starting the 2025 season 1-0 with a 19-0 victory.
The start of the season could not have been more challenging. The team had to start their title defense on the road, in the rain while following Pop Warner rules that greatly favor the opponent. From the time the team stepped off the team caravan, the home crowd of 20 was raucous and mildly intimidating. Luckily, the SV crowd travels well and outnumbered the home crowd 3:1. However, the Cavaliers used the rule changes to their advantage by keeping the SV crowd talking amongst themselves to clarify the rules to each other for much of the first half. One fan could be heard “I thought they were doing kickoffs this year?”. “Wait, I thought we only played 8-minute quarters?”. Another fan chimed in “How many quarters do they play in THIS league?!?”. That quieted the crowd for a minute before everyone refocused to the play on the field.
The Rangers got off to a fast start by creating a turnover on the first series of the season. They quickly turned that into points as Christian “Johnny Red Gloves” Jordan took the first play from scrimmage off the right side 31 yards for the score.
The score would have sent the crowd into a frenzy if not for the confusion of the rules. Boston “Moolay” French punched in the extra point to make it 7-0 at the 8-minute mark of the first quarter. The Rangers continued to overwhelm the Cavaliers physically on both offense and defense the entire game.
On offense, the ball carriers were playing power football and looking for someone to run over. Tripp “I Only Sprint For Glory” Shepperd embodied this mentality more than anyone by absolutely leveling a Cavalier defender late in the second quarter. The hit sent Assistant Coach Blake Kelso into a frenzy as he could be heard in the parking lot respectfully letting the crowd know a good play had occurred.
French added a score before the half on a broken play and Shepperd would later add a touchdown late in the second half.
The defense also played physical football. The front seven were creating havoc in the backfield all day. They tallied four turnovers on the day while the offense was able to minimize its own and ultimately win the turnover battle four to zero. An incredible turnover margin to start their title defense.
Tripp Shepperd ended the day with 7 TFLs (Tackles For Loss), 68 yards rushing on 6 carries with a touchdown, and one broken soul earning him the coveted, and newly fabricated, JYD (Junkyard Dog) belt. We were able to catch up with Tripp after the game. "You have to play this game like somebody just hit your mother with a 2x4." Tripp said when asked about his aggressive play. "There were a couple runs there where I ran to the defenders rather than away from them like dad told me. Have you ever heard of the Charpy and Izod impact testing method?” he continued. "It’s used to evaluate the resistance to fracture toughness during high-speed impact. Well, I ran a test today and found dangerous failure.”
Another bright spot for the SV Rangers, JV A White Team, was the play of Beau “Breaux” Bailey. Bailey feasted in the Cavalier’s backfield all from the defensive end position. He recorded 3.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 cracked helmet visor that the Cavalier coaches could be seen trying to glue back together. When asked about his thoughts on the game, Bailey responded with “There are certainties in life. Grass grows, birds fly, waves pound the sand, and Beau Bailey beats people off the edge and creates havoc. I’m so fast that last night I turned off the light switch in my room and was in bed before the room was dark.” Bailey responded. “Superman wears Beau Bailey pajamas. They’re bright green.”
After the win, the team gathered as they always do to get the post-game pep talk from Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator/Special Teams Coordinator Scott Shepperd. "I like what I saw out there." says coach Shepperd. “It’s hard to win on the road in this league.” before being interrupted. "Coach, I thought they played in a different league?" asks Dylan “Babbelbekkie” Butz. Coach Shepperd says “That’s true, but I just mean at this level of football.” before he starts back into addressing the team. "Traveling can really mess with your routine. The long ride has a tendency to get you uncomfortable." he said. Chastin “El Chasitan” Wiatrek chimes in "Coach, I just took a nap in the truck on the way up here." he said. "I honestly couldn’t even tell you where we are." Wiatrek continues. "Do we get pickles at halftime every week, Coach?" asks John “Barnito Supreme” Barna. Ignoring the player’s participation in his prepared words, Coach Shepperd calls for the team to break out "Hands in. 1!...2!...3!...JYD!" they shout in a somewhat unified voice.
The Rangers now focus on the next challenge in their title defense. Pieper Gold rolls into town with revenge on their mind. The Rangers, at least for now, have proven they are ready to accept the challenge. The response to start the season was overwhelming. Just ask the Cavaliers.
(Note: Our statistician was slightly distracted by questions and conversation in the stands which may have resulted in slightly skewed statistics.)