The Mineola Yellowjackets went to Henderson County last Friday and dominated the Eustace Bulldogs, 51-6.

The Jackets rolled up 422 yards from scrimmage as they controlled the line on both sides of the ball. 

Mineola scored on seven of their nine possessions. In typical Yellowjacket fashion, they did it largely on the ground, with Kipton Neighbors, Braelyn Geremonte, Aidan Shepherd and Carson Sullivan running rampant.

The Jackets opened the scoring when Shepherd turned a wide receiver screen into a 38-yard scoring sprint.

Mineola began the game with a variety of wide receiver screens to stretch the Bulldog defense and then came back to exploit the defense by hammering off-tackles rushes.

Eustace scored on their opening possession, moving 41 yards in nine plays. It was the last significant drive allowed by the Mineola defense until late in the final quarter.

Mineola scored thrice more in the first half. Drives of 65, 48, and 66 yards culminated in two more scoring runs by Neighbors and one from Shepherd. 

In each drive, the Yellowjacket offensive line largely collapsed the Eustace front line.

When Eustace was able to make contact around the line of scrimmage, they had to contend with the power and relentlessness of the Mineola ballcarriers.

At the half the score stood 30-6, Yellowjackets.

On the second Mineola offensive snap of the second half, Shepherd sliced through the right side untouched, following a great seal block by Austin Blalock, and raced 75 yards for a score. It effectively ended the game.

Steven Reyes intercepted a Eustace pass on the next series putting the offense back in action.

Neighbors chalked up yet another impressive run by breaking four tackles for a 34-yard scamper. He scored four plays later. 

After recovering an on-side kick, Mineola added yet another score with a workman-like drive of 43 yards. Carries by Landon McClung and Blalock featured, with Blalock scoring on a misdirection play from four yards out.

Eustace mounted a long fourth quarter drive of 77 yards. The Mineola defense stiffened at the goal-line and forced a turnover on downs. Jose Silva made a spect

cular play, knifing into the backfield to keep the Bulldogs out of the end zone. 

The Jackets surely were venting a season’s worth of frustration. Their aggression and cohesiveness were a celebration which seemed to restore the identity of the Yellowjackets.

It was an excellent outing for all units: offense, defense and special teams.

Mineola wraps up their 2025 campaign on Friday as they host the Rains Wildcats. Kick-off is set for 7:30 at 

eredith Memorial Stadium, following the homecoming ceremony.