No Hurdle Too High

By Jim Irish Cedar Creek High School first-year head coach Jared Shaw and his football staff deserve praise for snapping a 43-game losing skid last season, one of the longest in Texas. However, the fact is that the Bastrop school board and administration have systematically destroyed the once competitive program. The destruction commenced long before Shaw's arrival. Six years ago, a Cedar Creek football parent complained to a board member about then Cedar Creek head football

Andy Carbajal (green arm band) clears a ball against a crowd of LASA athletes By Jim Irish Photos by Jason Miller Bastrop High School's Andy Carbajal could easily line up at midfield, but he prefers stopping attacks on the backline. Carbajal, a 6-foot-1, 155-pound junior, was recently voted the soccer defensive MVP in District 24-5A Division II by coaches. He received the superlative award despite missing two district matches because of concussion protocol. Bastrop lost both

Bastrop striker Caden Justice (green arm band) had this shot snuffed by LASA goalkeer Eamon Griffin By Jim Irish Photos by Jason Miller HUTTO -- Bastrop encountered a more explosive soccer LASA team than it had in District 24-5A matches. The Raptors (18-4-2) scored in the 2nd minute and rattled off three more goals to blank Bastrop 4-0 in the Class 5A Division II regional finals at Hutto High School on Tuesday. The Bears (16-6-4) had competed closely against LASA (Liberal

Bastrop's Isaac Velasquez (right) prepares to fire at Splendora goalkeeper Victor Sanchez, who blocked the shot By Jim Irish Photos by Jason Miller BELLVILLE -- Bastrop boys soccer has advanced where no other Bears' team has been in school history: the regional finals. After rallies in its first two playoff matches, Bastrop dominated Splendora 4-1 in the Class 5A Division II regional semifinals at Bellville High School on Friday. Last season, in Greg Vuagniaux's first as head

Bastrop's Gael Ramirez (22), who scored the winning goal in the second half, dribbles against Sharpstown By Jim Irish Photos by Jorge Gaona BRYAN -- Bastrop is keeping their fans on the edge of their stadium seats with its come-from-behind theatrics. For the second consecutive UIL Class 5A Division II playoff soccer match, the Bears rallied from a goal down to prevail over Sharpstown 2-1 at Rudder High School on Tuesday. The Bears (15-5-4) have matched last year's march to th