Run-pass threat leads Keller to first win of season

By Eric Liles

Special to the Star-Telegram

KELLER -- Dalton Mills ran for 141 yards on 26 carries and threw a touchdown pass to help lead Keller to its first win of the season, a 24-7 victory over Keller Fossil Ridge on Thursday night at the Keller ISD Athletic Complex.

Keller (1-5, 1-2 District 4-5A) efficiently moved the ball down the field on its opening series. The Indians started on their own 35 and covered the distance in 13 plays. Gabe Martinez completed 4 of 5 passes for 56 yards during the series. Mills scored on a 3-yard touchdown run with 2:24 to play in the first quarter.

Fossil Ridge (1-5, 1-2) started the following series with Jacob Gnacinski's 40-yard completion to Adonis Ramos. The pass set up the Panthers at the Keller 35. Keller's defense tightened and held Gnacinski to a 2-yard gain on fourth-and-12 at the Indians 27.

With 2:05 remaining before halftime, Keller started on its own 45 and advanced to the Fossil Ridge 21, where the Indians faced fourth-and-1. Fossil Ridge held Martinez to no gain on a run up the middle to end the threat. Keller held a 7-0 lead at the half.

The Indians started the second half with a quick scoring drive, moving 82 yards in six plays. Cameron Martin took a short pass from Martinez, shook a defender and ran down the sideline for a 42-yard touchdown reception.

Fossil Ridge scored when Gnacinski found Niron Fields open over the middle for a 20-yard touchdown pass to cut the Panthers' deficit to 14-7 with 3:44 to play in the third quarter.

Keller immediately answered. Starting on their own 25, the Indians ran eight plays, scoring on a 14-yard pass from Mills to Martin for a 21-7 lead.

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