The 2025 Mineola Yellowjackets can punch back, that is certain. However, it’s just tough to win when the opponent scores on seven of their eight possessions. Each statement was true as the Winnsboro Red Raiders defeated the Yellowjackets 47-30 Friday at Meredith Memorial Stadium.

The average scoring drive for the Raiders was 59 yards. They scored on four drives of over 60 yards. While Winnsboro did make some solid gains through the air, they largely just pounded the ball with their big halfback. 

For the first 12 minutes of game clock, Mineola matched the Raiders step for step. Winnsboro went up with the initial touchdown of the night. Mineola answered with a 68-yard drive of their own.

Kipton Neighbors scored on a pitch from five yard out. He then forced his way into the end zone after taking the snap while in a widely-dispersed formation. 

Again the teams traded touchdowns – Winnsboro on a 60-yard drive and Mineola on a 61-yarder. Neighbors carried into the end zone by breaking at least two tackles on a rampaging 28-yard run. The 2-point conversion was awarded when a direct snap went to Braelyn Geremonte at the wing position. 

Mineola led 16-14. 

Mineola was the underdog, and in order to pull off the upset, the breaks of the game would have to go their way. 

Winnsboro scored again as their halfback dragged four defenders into the end zone. On the ensuing kick-off, the ball was fumbled. Although Mineola secured possession, it was deep in their own territory.

On the following punt snap, the ball was low and skirted past the punter. It was covered in the end zone for a safety. 

Winnsboro took the next possession 70 yards for a score to make it a 30-16 game at the half.

The safety and following Winnsboro drive killed the momentum Mineola had built in the opening quarter. While Jose Silva, Eduardo Guerra and Eddrick Irving made great individual defensive plays on that drive, the Jackets simply could not halt Winnsboro.

With no answer to slowing down the Raiders, the second half became predictable. Each team found the end zone twice, with Winnsboro retaining the two-score margin. 

The Yellowjackets generated some excitement with a scoring drive with five minutes to play. A 40-yard catch and run from Neighbors to Aidan Shepherd featured in the drive. Geremonte fought through the right side from 15 yards out to score. 

Mineola very nearly recovered the following on-side kick, but Winnsboro snatched it up in the last instant, and with it the game.    

The Yellowjackets travel to Malakoff Friday. The Tigers of Malakoff had a bye to open the district schedule and dropped their opener last Friday 50-31 to Commerce.