The 93rd annual Border Battle between the La Porte Bulldogs and the Deer Park Deer kicked off Friday October 27, with the series knotted at 46 a piece. This game is bigger than any playoff game of the year, this game is the game each and every citizen of La Porte and Deer Park look forward to every year. For the past three years, the Bulldogs have owned the Border Battle with final scores of 10-6, 27-24 and 35-21. The win streak has put La Porte back even with the Deer in the almost 100 year series. The Deer began the game with a record of 4-3 overall and a district record of 4-0, having already clinched a spot in the 2017 UIL 6A playoffs. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs came into the game also at 4-3, but having one defeat in district play against the South Houston Trojans, putting them in third place behind the Deer Park and Pasadena Memorial.
The Deer Park Deer defeated the Bulldogs with a final score of 16-14 coming from a late field with 40 seconds left from junior Kicker Cameron Garner. Garner's kick ensured the Deer would remain in sole possession of first place in District 22-6A. In addition, the win gave Deer Park a 47-46 advantage in the all-time rivalry.
“We were waiting for Friday all year," senior kicker Ricky Garza said. "We were ready and we came out with a win … The feeling was special, like no other, beating La Porte."
The Deer trailed 14-7 at halftime, but the Deer defense held their ground following. Deer Park did not allow a single point in the second half. Much of that second half success can be attributed to the fantastic practices that occurred throughout the week.
“It’s a different week of practice … we pay extra attention to the little details from the big critical plays that could lead us to a possible score and the ones that have lead us to touchdowns in the past games," senior defensive lineman Noah Wood said. "It is a big game for us, it gives us bragging rights and a huge burst of confidence for the playoffs, but it also crowns the district champs."
Junior QB Broc Weidner left the game late third quarter with an injury, leaving the Deer with senior QB Jaden Otts to come in and finish the game. Now, trailing its bitter rival, Deer Park was down to its second string quarterback. However, junior running back Tyrek Saylor managed to find the end zone and bring the Deer within striking distance at 14-13 with two minutes remaining. Saylor rushed for two vital touchdowns on the night and helped lead Deer Park's struggling offense to victory. Although the mood lightened up a bit following the score, the Deer still trailed. Therefore, only one option remained; try an onside kick. Deer Park kicked an onside and by the slimmest of margins, recovered. Deer Park then led a masterful downfield drive, leading to a 40-yard field goal with 40 seconds remaining in the game.
Ultimately, time had run out on the Bulldogs, as they were defeated for the first time in four years by their rivals, Deer Park. Deer Park is now in prime position to take the top spot in District 22-6A heading into the postseason.
