Peaster wins UIL varsity home debut, stays undefeated with victory over Collinsville

Gunner McElroy threw for 257 yards and Tramar Gilbert scored three touchdowns as Peaster remained undefeated during its first UIL varsity football season by holding off Collinsville, 18-12, in its home opener Friday at Greyhound Stadium.

McElroy connected on a 49-yard pass to Hank Morris to set up Peaster on the Collinsville 22 with seven minutes remaining. Gilbert scored the winning touchdown two plays later on a 3-yard run.

Peaster has a bye in Week 4 before starting up district play Sept. 25 at Pilot Point.

Gilbert ran back the opening kickoff 60 yards for a touchdown to put Peaster up 6-0.

Peaster (3-0) then held Collinsville (2-1) to a three-and-out series and took over on its own 37-yard line. The Greyhounds needed eight plays to cover the distance. Gilbert finished the series with a 2-yard touchdown run to give Peaster a 12-0 lead five minutes into the game.

Collinsville struck back quickly when Luis Hernandez connected with Nathan Bocanegra for 37 yards to set up the Pirates on the Peaster 17. Hernandez ran for a touchdown on the next play to cut the deficit to 12-6 midway through the first quarter.

Peaster advanced the ball inside the Collinsville 20 twice in the remainder of the first half before turning the ball over on downs. Collinsville turned the ball over on downs at the Peaster 24 just before halftime.

A high snap on a Peaster punt midway through the third quarter gave Collinsville the ball at the Peaster 10. Hernandez ran for a touchdown on the following play to tie the game at 12.

Hernandez led all rushers with 79 yards on 23 carries. McElroy led Peaster with 56 yards. Morris caught six passes for 125 yards.