Boerne, Alamo Heights meet for regional final rematch in E-N Game of the Week

Boerne and Alamo Heights face off this week in a battle between undefeated teams to open district play for both programs. Boerne sent Alamo Heights packing in last year’s regional finals by scoring a late touchdown to earn its third trip to state semifinals in four years. 

Alamo Heights vs. Boerne

Kickoff:7 p.m. Friday, Orem Stadium

Rankings/records:No. 5 Boerne (4-0, 0-0 District 13-5A-II); No. 7 Alamo Heights (4-0, 0-0 District 13-5A-II)

Coaches: Boerne’s Brett Sawyer (46-28 overall, 17-2 in two years at Boerne); Alamo Heights’ Rudy Nerio (4-0 in one year at Alamo Heights)

Series: Alamo Heights leads, 15-8

Boerne breakdown

Setting the scene: Boerne defeated Somerset, 42-21, last week in its final out-of-district regular season game. The Greyhounds returned multiple key players from last year’s state semifinalist team, including quarterback Grant Sweeney and receiver Zach Freasier. Sweeney connected with Freasier for a 21-yard touchdown with 10 seconds to play to lead Boerne over Alamo Heights the last time the two teams faced off. 

Key to victory: The last time Sweeney faced Alamo Heights, he threw 319 yards for three touchdowns and rushed for 144 yards and four touchdowns. Another big game from the UTSA commit could lead to Boerne’s third straight win over Alamo Heights. 

Statistical leaders: Passing – Grant Sweeney (69-123-3, 992 yards, 13 TDs); Rushing – Callan Combs (73-626, 3 TDs); Receiving – Zach Freasier (21-421, 3 TDs); Tackles – Cash Gatlin (40); Sacks – Rory Hotchkin (7); Interceptions – Ronnie Brooks (2) 

Alamo Heights breakdown

Setting the scene: Alamo Heights is headed for its first major test under head coach Rudy Nerio, who was promoted in April. Nerio replaced Ron Rittimann, who announced his retirement in the spring. Nerio previously served as Alamo Heights’ running game coordinator and junior varsity head coach. Alamo Heights breezed past Buda Johnson, 58-9, last Friday. 

Key to victory: Alamo Heights graduated multiple key players from last year like running back DK Garza, who set a new city record for most rushing yards in a single season. Although Garza is now playing for Cornell, the Alamo Heights offense is currently averaging 46.5 points per game. On paper, the Mules have a balanced running game that could prove advantageous. Alamo Heights has three rushers with at least 150 yards so far this season. Junior William Bishop leads with six rushing touchdowns, but senior Blake Bader is not far behind with five. 

Statistical leaders: Passing – Easton Stone (60-88-3, 920 yards, 10 TDs); Rushing – William Bishop (23-328, 6 TDs); Receiving – Charlie Mitchell (18-321, 4 TDs); Tackles – Max Gutierrez (29); Sacks – Drake Carroll (4); Interceptions – Merritt Lasswell (2), Lee Brockwell (2) 

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This article originally published at Boerne, Alamo Heights meet for regional final rematch in E-N Game of the Week.