District play for Graham’s soccer teams began this past week as the Steers and Lady Blues both took on the Mineral Wells Rams and Lady Rams.
Each Graham team has had varying degrees of success so far this season, but what matters now are the games ahead. The Steers and Lady Blues both earned wins over Mineral Wells this week in different ways, with the boys pulling out the win in a penalty kick shootout while the girls dominated from start to finish.
The game came down to the final shot of penalty kicks but the Graham Steers emerged victorious with their first district win of the season against the Mineral Wells Rams this past Monday, Feb. 5.
After finishing the regulation period tied 2-2, both teams sent their best five to the penalty box for a chance to take the game. In a thrilling matchup, the Steers came out on top by a score of 3-2.
It didn’t take long for the Graham Lady Blues to assert their dominance Monday, Feb 5 in their district-opening win over the Mineral Wells Lady Rams.
The Lady Blues did all their scoring in the first half as they went onto win 4-0 and start their district play with a 1-0 record. The offense looked strong and the defense held firm all game as Graham finessed its way to the win.
While there are still games to be played all around the district, the Graham Steers took a big step in figuring out their postseason plans with a win over the Mineral Wells Rams.
After the Steers easily dealt with the Rams at home a few weeks ago, they traveled to Mineral Wells this past Tuesday, Feb. 6 and shot their way to a 56-50 win. The victory moved Graham to 4-3 in district, and as of this writing, they sit in second place in the district.
In the battle for the final playoff spot in the district, the Graham Lady Blues gave it their all but ultimately saw their season come to an end with a 31-24 loss to the Mineral Wells Lady Rams.
Both teams came into the final regular season game tied for fourth in the district with a 1-6 record. The winner would get the fourth and final playoff spot while the loser would end in fifth and miss the playoffs.
Graham High School played host to a powerlifting competition this past Thursday, Feb. 1. The Lady Blues and JV Steers competed in the event against other schools around the area. Schools that had both boys and girls competing were Graham, Peaster and Decatur while Bridgeport only brought a boys team.
The teams competed in the high school’s fieldhouse where they showcased their strength in front of other competitors and fans. Athletes performed three lifts: squat, bench press and deadlift.
In what was a true rollercoaster of a game, the Graham Steers ultimately came up short in their comeback attempt as they took a loss 55-52 to the Glen Rose Tigers.
It’s tough to face the top-ranked team in a season even once, let alone twice due to the district alignment. And for the Lady Blues, though they played a better game than the first matchup they still ended with the same result as the visiting Lady Tigers earned a 54-19 win.
Down a few starters due to illnesses and injuries, the Graham Lady Blues fought hard Friday, Feb. 2 for all four quarters against one of the best teams in the state in Class 4A. While the result still didn’t go Graham’s way, they played a better game overall against stiff competition.
Spring sports are on the horizon as softball teams have begun scrimmages this past week with baseball soon to follow. Tennis, track and field and golf are all on the way, as well.
But before those sports fully take over, winter sports are still seeing plenty of action on a weekly basis. Graham’s basketball and soccer teams have been quite active lately, with basketball in the heat of district play while soccer is wrapping up non-district.
As the Steers brought the ball down the court, sophomore Tyler Allen missed a mid-range jumper but junior Ty Thompson was in perfect position to collect the offensive rebound. The point guard immediately put it back up for two points and a 56-54 Graham lead with 9.1 seconds remaining.
All Brownwood had time for was a last-second long 3-point heave that barely even hit the backboard and the Steers held on for the district win Tuesday, Jan. 30 over the Lions this.
