The Aubrey Chaparrals won their first game of the 2025 season, defeating the Van Alstyne Panthers 29-19 on the road Sept. 19.
The Chaparrals had their finest statistical performance of the season, with their offensively creating over 350 yards and their defense limiting the Panthers to 170 yards.
“I was super proud of our effort,” said Keith Ivy, Aubrey athletic director and head football coach. “Our defense’s ability to limit them to about 150 total yards of offense and 15 yards rushing was important.
Offensively, we didn’t score as much as we had wanted, but we were able to move the ball and keep it for the majority of the game. I think this win gave us a lot of confidence moving into district play.”
Aubrey scored first, with running back Jaxson Doramus scoring from 4 yards out to put the Chaps up 7-0 in the first quarter after a successful extra point kick.
Van Alstyne quarterback Brayden Miller responded with an 11-yard touchdown run, sending the two teams into the second quarter knotted at seven.
The Chaps retook the lead in the second quarter when fullback Logan Gannon crashed into the end zone on a short goal line plunge, giving Aubrey a 14-7 lead that they held until halftime.
The Panthers battled their way back into the game when Miller connected with receiver Tanner Powers for a 78-yard touchdown pass, trimming the Chaps’ advantage to one point following a botched extra point goal.
Van Alstyne took the lead when defensive back Gavin O’Neal made a house call on an interception returned for a touchdown, putting the Panthers ahead 19-14 heading into the half.
Aubrey recovered from the pick-6 with a second touchdown run by Gannon and a successful twopoint conversion reception by tight end Drew Dondelinger, retaking the lead 22-19.
Chaps running back Connor Murphy scored a 94-yard touchdown run to cement Aubrey’s 29-19 victory.
Aubrey’s offense rushed for 274 yards against the Panthers’ defense, headed by running back Johnnie Johnson, who tallied 109.
Johnson attributed his success to his preparation method and blocks.
“I try to stretch every day to keep my lower body feeling right, but I couldn’t have done it without my [offensive] linemen,” added the quarterback. “We’re always talking to each other and making sure that we see the same things, and that was a big part of why we played so well.”
One of the Chaps’ leaders up front, center Brayden Wood, stated that the unit’s ability to play together was critical to their success on the field.
“We were dominating the interior, and our tackles didn’t give up any pressures,” stated the quarterback. “The O-Line is a big part of this team, and the better we get, the better our team will be.”
Blake Wheeler, a defensive lineman, was named the game’s defensive MVP after recording eight TOT TKLs, one FF, one FR, two sacks, and three quarterback hits.
“That was the result of a lot of film study, … but if I didn’t have my nose and tackle those gaps and those pressures wouldn’t be there,” he told me.
Ivy stated that the Chaps celebrated their first win of the night but had already moved on to their clash against Sulphur Springs.
“The sky’s the limit for this group,” he told me. “They’re young and still growing, but I think gaining some confidence through that first win, especially the week before district play begins, is something we’re hoping will carry over into Friday.”
