The Taylor Ducks (0-1) will host the Pflugerville Connally Cougars (0-1) on Friday, Sept. 5, at 7:30 p.m. The Ducks are searching for their first win of the season after falling 48-15 to Gatesville in their opener.
Taylor dropped last year’s matchup to Connally 49-15.
The Cougars also come in off a loss, falling 55-33 to Rouse in Week 1. For Taylor, questions remain at quarterback after both sophomore Johnny Guzman and freshman Jeremiah Caldwell saw time under center against Gatesville.
Guzman threw for 168 yards with one touchdown and one interception, while Caldwell added 83 passing yards.
The Ducks may have a chance to find rhythm through the air Friday, as Connally’s secondary surrendered 375 passing yards and six touchdowns against Rouse.
Sophomore wide receiver Damien Calico was a bright spot in the opener, hauling in 154 yards and a touchdown.
He will likely be a primary target again as Taylor looks to ease in its young quarterbacks.
On the other side of the ball, Taylor’s defense will need to show progress after allowing 302 passing yards and four touchdowns to Gatesville. Connally racked up 432 total yards against Rouse, making discipline in the secondary critical.
Taylor’s best chance may come on the ground, where junior running back Eric Walker provided a spark with 88 yards and a touchdown last week. Sustaining the run game could keep the defense off the field and relieve pressure from the quarterbacks.
Before kickoff, Taylor will recognize its 2024 district championship.
The Ducks were awarded the title this offseason after Austin LBJ was forced to forfeit all of its wins due to residency violations.
