GATESVILLE — Friday night's 2025 season opener between the Gatesville and Taylor football teams ultimately came down to two things -- opportunities and big plays.
When the dust settled, the Hornets led in both categories. Gehrig Keeton threw for 302 yards and four touchdowns as Gatesville (1-0) defeated Taylor, 48-15, at McKamie Stadium in Gatesville.
Keeton's touchdown passes went for 63, 31, 51 and 39 yards.
Clark Allman and Amos Phillips each had four catches and two touchdowns.
Taylor (0-1) was led by Damien Calico, who caught seven passes for 154 yards and a touchdown. The Ducks were led by Johnny Guzman in passing as he completed nine of 18 passes for 168 yards and a score.
The first half belonged to Gatesville.
Each team punted on their opening drive before Keeton hit Allman for a 63-yard score at the 8:47 mark of the opening frame.
Another Taylor punt led to another Hornets touchdown. Samuel Howard scored on a 38-yard run to increase the Gatesville lead to 14-0 with 4:15 left in the first quarter. The Ducks lost a fumble on the ensuing drive at the Hornets' 48-yard line, and Gatesville cashed in with another score. Keeton hit Allman for a 31-yard score to make it 21-0 with 35 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
Taylor showed some promise on the ensuing drive. Jeremiah Caldwell connected with Calico for gains of 28 and 16 yards before the drive stalled at the Hornets' 27.
Gatesville answered with its fourth consecutive scoring drive.
This one ended with
See DUCKS • page 11
The Taylor Ducks football team fell 48-15 in its season opener versus Gatesville on Friday, Aug. 29.
Photo by Larry Pelchat a 17-yard touchdown run from Cy Burns with 4:02 remaining before halftime.
The Hornets led 28-0 at the break and made it 35-0 at the 9:12 mark of the third quarter. Keeton hit Phillips for a 39-yard score on Gatesville's second play of the frame.
The Ducks scored just 15 seconds later when Guzman hit Calico in stride for a 64-yard touchdown. Josh Meller picked up an errant extra point snap and found Zavier Stokes for two to make it 35-8.
Taylor struck again on its ensuing drive. Eric Walker scored on an 18-yard run to make it 35-15 with 4:18 remaining in the third.
The Ducks got no closer the rest of the way. In the fourth quarter, Keeton hit Phillips for a 51-yard score and Howard had a two-yard score.
Taylor has its home opener at 7:30 p.m. Friday against Pflugerville Connally.
