Bastrop unable to contain Randle running back, quarterback in 83-20 loss

A swarming Randle defense smothers Bastrop quarterback Weston Nielsen (13)

By Jim Irish

Photos by Bella Rice

PRAIRIE VIEW -- Bastrop had a glimpse of a potential collegiate and NFL star, mostly from behind.

Linden Williams-Callis, a 5-foot-8, 200-pound junior, romped for 326 yards and six touchdown. Quick and elusive, he burst through interior holes and ran outside in Randle's 83-20 lopsided victory the Class 5A DII regional semifinals at Prairie View A&M university on Saturday.

Randle (13-0) has won 29 consecutive contests, including last season's state championship over South Oak Cliff.

Williams-Callis dashed right on the first of 19 carries for a 60-yard touchdown only 40 seconds into the game.

Bastrop's Brent Carter (5) beats a Randle player for a touchdown reception

Later in the first quarter, he charged past everyone enroute to apparent touchdown, but Bastrop defensive back Cale Findlay tackled him after a 90-yard gain. Four plays later, he crossed the goal line from the two.

With one more year to play in high school, Williams-Callis has already received 62 collegiate offers. This season alone, he has gained 2,868 yards and scored 46 touchdowns.

"He makes us real good coaches."

-- Randle head coach Brian Randle about running back Linden Williams-Callis

"He makes us real good coaches," Randle head coach Brian Randle said about Williams-Callis. "He's a great kid, a better human being, and an outstanding athlete."

Bastrop head coach Jake Griedl called Williams-Callis a "big-time player."

"He's everything people say he is and one of the top running backs in the country," Griedl said.

Bastrop running back Izaiah Regalado finds the going tough against Randle

Randle's offense does not rely completely on Williams-Callis. Quarterback Tyler Skrabanek completed 16-of-20 passes to six receivers -- primarily short routes -- for 230 yards and two touchdowns.

Brady Bratcher, Skrabanek's backup and heir apparent, launched a 47-yard touchdown in the second half.

Amari Louisville, Williams-Callis' substitute, saw a lot of time in the second half and gained 90 yards on 11 carries with one touchdown.

Bastrop's offense started smoothly with quarterback Nielsen hitting Brent Carter on two consecutive passes, the last a 48-yard touchdown to tie it at 7-7.

Randle's defense, however, constantly pressured Nielsen after the first series. He suffered a hip injury, Griedl said, and left the contest for the remainder of the game in the second quarter.

"They don't give you much," Griedl said about Randle's defense. "They ordered (state championship) rings last year, and there's a good chance they'll order them again."

Bryce Cosgrove, Nielsen's backup, tossed a 48-yard touchdown to Zac Wilkinson late in the second quarter to trail 49-13.

Bastrop's Adrian Martinez (12) and Chris Rockwell (6) tackle Randle's Denim Hunt

Bastrop had an opportunity after Randle fumbled on its next series at its 26-yard line. But Cosgrove threw an interception.

"... We took care of business early."

-- Randle speaking about defensive effort

"Bastrop averages 60 points a game," Randle said. "Our biggest thing was to cut their production in half. We did better than that. We got out there and got after 'em. We took care of business early."

Bastrop's Jefferson ejected in second quarter

Gary Jefferson, who rushed for 381 yards in the area contest, struggled against Randle. Frustrated after a late hit out of bounds, Jefferson punched an opponent and was ejected.

"That was his second punch of the game," Randle said about Jefferson. "He go away with one earlier. You're not gonna get away with throwing punches twice."

Before his ejection, Jefferson gained 21 yards on seven carries and fumbled a pass from Nielsen.

"We did everything to make sure where we were supposed to be to slow his butt down," Randle said.

Crecenzo and Hola miss game because of injury

Bastrop played without wide receiver Dallas Crecenzo (leg) and defensive tackle Tiki Hola (knee), who have committed to Purdue and Notre Dame, respectively.

Under Griedl, Bastrop (11-2) advanced one step further in the playoffs this season.

"... One game doesn't define us. Obviously, you're never happy unless you win the last one."

-- Bastrop head coach Jake Griedl

"I'm really proud of our kids this season," he said. "One game doesn't define us. Obviously, you're never happy unless you win the last one."

Randle faces district opponent Iowa Colony, which led Randle 21-0 earlier in the season before winning 49-42. The state quarterfinal is at 7 p.m. Friday at Katy Legacy Stadium..

"They jumped on us early," Randle said about Iowa Colony. "But we're a tenacious bunch, man. There's no quit in us. We're gonna fight you until 0:00."