Birdville rolls past Abilene Cooper behind strong first half, efficient offense

Quarterback Stone Earle threw for three scores and ran for another, and running back Laderrious Mixon finished with three total scores and 209 rushing yards as Birdville defeated Abilene Cooper 49-14 in a Class 5A Division I area playoff football game Friday.

The duo led the Birdville offense to nearly 500 total yards of offense, leading the way to a 28-0 halftime lead.

Birdville’s defense gave them a 21-0 lead early in the first half as Hosea Armstrong returned an interception 75 yards.

Carter Self led receivers with four catches for 76 yards.

Abilene Cooper quarterback Aidan Thompson led the way with 152 yards passing while the scores came from Jesus Menjivar and Noah Garcia on runs of 9 and 13 yards in the third quarter.

Game was over when: Birdville took a 28-0 lead into the half, scoring on three of four first-half possessions.

Play of the game: Hosea Armstrong helped stall an Abilene Cooper drive, returning an interception for 75 yards early in the second quarter.

Offensive player of the game: The honor is shared by Stone Early and Laderrious Mixon, who finished with six combined scores on the afternoon.

Special teams player of the game: Ethan Ballentine kicked seven total extra points in the game.

Unsung hero of the game: Brendton Northey caught and threw for a score in the game.

What’s next? The area champs next face the winner of Friday night’s playoff game between Amarillo Caprock (8-3) and Grapevine (9-2).

This story was originally published November 23, 2018 at 5:44 PM.