16 Years Later, Junction and Shiner Football Teams Meet Again

JUNCTION, TX — The Shiner Comanches have one of the more storied football programs in Texas.

They haven’t missed the playoffs since 1997 and have brought home four state championships, including titles in 2020 and ‘21.

Yet the only time they ever played Junction, the Comanches lost.

In 2008, Junction went on a Cinderella run through the playoffs after finishing in third place in its district.

The Eagles’ biggest win was a 21-14 upset over Shiner in the state quarterfinals, sending them to the state semifinals for the only time in program history (where they lost 22-12 to Mart).

Sixteen years later, Junction is having another unforgettable season. 

Once again, Shiner stands in the way in the state quarterfinals.

Junction (12-1) and Shiner (10-3) will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday at San Antonio’s Heroes Stadium in the Class 2A Division II Region IV final.

When head coach Scott Freeman took over Junction’s program in 2021, an Eagles team filled with freshmen went 3-7 and didn’t win a district game. 

Shiner, meanwhile, went 16-0 that year and won the state final by 35 points.

It’s a testament to how far Junction has come that the Eagles are now three wins from a state title and vying with Shiner for the regional crown.

“It’s been awesome, it really has,” Freeman said. “This is probably the most fun I’ve ever had coaching, and I just don’t want it to end, because I like being around these players and coaches so much. There’s a true family feel to it.

“And the way this town has supported us has been amazing. We’ve had some of the biggest crowds you’ve ever seen at Junction sporting events. … It’s a really fun time in the community right now. Any store or restaurant you walk into, all they want to talk about is football.”

Junction returned every starter from last year’s 6-5 team — and the school was dropping into 2A Division II — so there was a lot of optimism heading into the fall, and not just from within the community.

The Eagles were ranked No. 20 in the state by Texas Football, and they were picked to win their first district title in 21 years.

Junction has delivered on all of that promise and then some.

Junction’s 32-0 win over Somerville last week marked the first time the Eagles won 12 games in a season.

It also showcased their defense, which is allowing 11 points per game and can be overshadowed by an offense scoring 47 points per game.

“Our defensive coaches have done a great job getting those guys ready and believing in the game plan we have,” Freeman said. “Our kids have executed the game plan to a T. That’s really something they’ve done all season long, so it’s a credit to the coaches and the kids. They’re a fun group to watch.”

Linebacker Bryan Gonzalez leads the defense with 107 tackles, including 17 tackles for loss. Fellow linebacker Crue Levien has 95 tackles and six tackles for loss.

Junction’s balanced offense is led by running backs Aidan Cardwell and Korren Hoing. Cardwell has 1,011 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns, along with 15 catches for 406 yards and seven TDs. Hoing has 859 rushing yards and 11 TDs.

Quarterback Chasen Doyal has thrown for 1,640 yards and 25 TDs and only one interception on 97-of-162 passing. 

Wide receiver Caden Roberts has 33 catches for 536 yards and seven TDs. Tight end Bode Bierschwale has 16 catches for 329 yards and six TDs.

Four-year starters Marco Ponce and Sergio Ochoa have anchored an offensive line that has allowed only two sacks.

“I think it starts up front with our offensive line,” said Freeman about why the offense has been so successful. “We’ve been the smallest team in all 13 games, and we’ll be the smallest team this week, too.

“They give us time, and we have so many playmakers. … If you key in on one person, I think a lot of other guys can step up and make you pay.”

Shiner lost its first three games this season, but the Comanches haven’t lost since, winning all 10 games by 20 points or more.

Freeman said Shiner has been an expected roadblock for the Eagles to accomplish their goals.

“It’s something we’ve talked about with our kids since Day 1. If we want to get a state championship, we’ve got to get through Falls City and Shiner. We’ve done one. Now we have to matchup with another great program,” Freeman said. 

“It’s great, not just for our football team, but for Junction, Texas to get to go up against a program like that. They have a state championship coaching staff, and I think it’s a great opportunity to show everyone who we are.”

The winner of this game will play Grapeland or Bremond next week in the state semifinals.