I went to San Antonio to see a fourth round playoff game between Lake Travis and Converse Judson. They have developed quite a rivalry, this being their fourth meeting in three years. Converse won both regular season meetings, but was eliminated by Lake Travis in the second round of the 2017 playoffs.
Hank Carter is the head coach of Lake Travis. The Cavs entered the game with a 12-1 record on the season, their only loss coming at the hands of Westlake back in October. Sean McAuliffe is the head coach of Converse Judson. The Rockets claimed their district title hand have a perfect 12-0 record.
While it was cold, wet, and windy outside, the game was played indoors at the Alamadome. Weather would not be a factor.
These two teams are both power houses of Texas high school football. Each has claimed six state championships. Hank Carter has won three at Lake Travis, the last being in 2016. The Cavs only loss that season was in week 1, to Converse Judson. Sean McAuliffe is still looking for his first title.
Before I recap the game, let me show you the barbecue I had.
The
Barbecue
Since I would be in San Antonio for football, I needed
to find myself a place to get some good barbecue. I pulled out my copy of the June 2017 edition
of Texas Monthly and scanned their Top 50 list.
I had been to 2M Smokehouse before, but not The Granary ‘Cue and Brew,
so I figured I would give them a try. Being
close to the Alamodome was a bonus.
Located at 602 Avenue A, The Granary resides in a remodeled
nineteenth-century house, just across the street from the brewery building in
the historic Pearl development. The
walls are lined with dark wood paneling.
At night, The Granary is a regular full service restaurant. At lunch, they serve market style
barbecue. They also brew their own beer. The nice young lady at the bar took my order:
moist brisket and a couple of pork ribs.
I got myself some iced tea and found a cozy place to eat.
The barbecue was excellent. Smoked over oak, I got thick slices of
brisket that were very moist and tender, easily cut with a fork. It had a nice outer bark and a deep smoky
flavor. The ribs were big and meaty with
a smoky sweet taste. Really good. There was a big bottle of sauce on every
table. It too was a little sweet and
paired well with the meats. The homemade
pickles were also a treat.
I had a chance to talk with the cutters before I ate. They recommended I stop by on a Friday when
they serve Rueben sandwiches: smoked pastrami, homemade rye bread and
sauerkraut. I was staring at my brisket
and ribs, but thinking just how good some of those sandwiches might be.
The Pearl development is full of shops, repurposed
buildings, and restaurants. Definitely a
place I will want to explore with my wife on a future trip to San Antonio. The delicious barbecue and friendly people at
The Granary is yet another reason to go back.
Their spot on the Texas Monthly Top 50 list is well deserved. Besides, I need to sample some of their
sandwiches and try some of that beer they brew.
I rate this barbecue two Hook ‘Ems!
The
Game
Midway through the first quarter, Converse was forced
to punt. But Rashad Wisdom took the snap
and ran for a first down. A face mask
penalty put the ball on the Lake Travis 19.
Sincere McCormick ran to the 1, then scored on a toss to make it
7-0.
Later in the first, Lake Travis
tied the game on a 15 yard burst up the middle by Bryan Wilkins. In the second quarter, Hudson Card connected with
Garrett Wilson to give the Cavs a 14-7 lead.
Mike Chandler threw over the middle to Anthony Shelton. Shelton’s great cut back freed him for a 48
yard touchdown that knotted the score at 14 all.
Converse took possession of the ball with under two
minutes to play in the second quarter.
On fourth and 3, McCormick carried to the Lake Travis 1 yard line. Only two seconds before half time, the
Rockets chose not to kick a field goal that could have given them the lead.
Chandler and De’anthony Lewis fumbled the handoff and the Cavs
recovered. The teams went to half time
tied at 14.
Lake Travis got the third quarter kickoff and drove 73
yards, scoring on a pass from Card to Wilson that put the Cavaliers up 21-14.
Mike Chandler’s pass was intercepted by Copeland
Gothard at midfield. Hudson Card was hit
by Demarvin Leal as he tried to pass.
Corey Parks scooped up the ball and was off to the races, but the play
was ruled an incomplete pass. The Cavs
connected on a 37 yard field goal to extend their lead to 24-14.
The teams exchanged possessions as the game moved into
the fourth quarter. After a pass interference
penalty on the Cavs, Chandler lofted the ball deep to Shelton for a
touchdown. The extra point cut the lead
to 24-21 with 8:53 left to play.
Facing third and 9 from their own 36 yard line, Card
threw to Kyle Eaves. The defensive back
went for an interception and missed.
With no one behind him, Eaves outraced the defense for a 64 yard
touchdown.
On the ensuing kickoff, Aniyah Spencer fumbled and the
Cavs recovered. Card threw deep to
Wilson for another touchdown. The extra point
made it 38-21 with 6:49 left in the game.
The Rockets could not move against the Cavaliers
defense. Strong runs by Card moved the
chains for Lake Travis and ate up what time remained. With the 38-21 win, Lake Travis had
eliminated Converse from the playoffs for the second year in a row.
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