Luling gets 1st playoff win since 1981

The last time the Luling Eagles won a playoff football game was 1981.

That was the case until Saturday night. The Eagles defeated the Odem Owls, 39-7, Saturday night in Beeville, and advanced to the area round of the Class 2A-Division I state playoffs to face the Hallettsville Brahmas.

Despite the 39 points scored, it was the defense that was most dominant on the night for the Eagles. Odem was held to just 16 yards rushing on 29 carries, but was able to find some success through the air with backup quarterback CJ Romero completing 13-of-25 for 139 yards and the lone Owl touchdown.

In the end, the Owls finished the night with just 179 yards of offense on 55 plays. The Eagle defensive effort was lead by Chess Elley, Tyler Gibson and Zach Lawton.

On the offensive side the Eagles were pretty much able to move the ball at will. Luling quarterback Trayden Staton led the attack as he completed 15-of-18 for 292 yards and two touchdowns.

Staton’s main target on the night was Josh Alvarez, who he hooked up with five times for 151 yards, including a 73-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter. The Eagle rushing attack was very balanced on the night as well as Quinton Grant who was able to find the end zone twice.

He finished the night with 10 carries for 49 yards. Brendan Cubit also had a solid night with 11 carries for 39 yards and a touchdown.

Cubit also added four catches for 55 yards and a touchdown. The Eagles finished the night with 457 yards of offense on 54 plays.

The Luling-Hallettsville game is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday in Floresville. Luling enters the game with a 7-4 record, while Hallettsville is 10-0.