Clear Springs running back Eli'jah Rubens broke loose for an 85-yard touchdown Friday, Sept. 18. The Chargers held off a late Clear Creek rally to win 23-21 at Challenger Columbia Stadium in League City.

The annual FM 518 rivalry game doubled as the District 18-6A opener for both teams, according to the Galveston County Daily News. Clear Springs improved to 2-2 overall and 1-0 in district play. Clear Creek fell to 1-3, according to MaxPreps.

"I'm proud of our kids … we found a way to win tonight when it counted," Clear Springs head coach Anthony Renfro said after the game. He added that the Chargers play a style that keeps every game close.

All four of Clear Springs' games this season have been decided by three points or fewer.

Rubens finished with 203 yards on 19 carries, including the 85-yard first-quarter score. Running back Darrien Moore added 88 yards on 19 carries and scored the game's first touchdown on a 2-yard direct-snap run, capping a 93-yard opening drive. Kicker Clayton Smith hit a 36-yard field goal in the third quarter, and wide receiver Parker Trampsoch caught a 35-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Kaedyn Hutto to push the lead to 23-14.

Clear Creek refused to fold. Quarterback Rafe Trevino finished 8-for-15 passing for 85 yards and ran 17 times for 94 yards with two rushing touchdowns. Running back Luke Rose added nine carries for 58 yards. Jaylen Hill's 48-yard kickoff return sparked a third-quarter scoring drive, and Trevino hit J'shon Parks on a 5-yard touchdown pass with 1:23 left to cut the deficit to two.

The Wildcats tried an onside kick. Clear Springs' Dayton Doutrich smothered it, and the Chargers ran out the clock.

Clear Creek head coach Dwayne Lane said he was proud of his team's effort but wants to start finishing close games with wins.

Clear Falls falls at Barbers Hill

Clear Falls opened District 18-6A play with a 44-17 loss to Barbers Hill at Eagle Stadium in Mont Belvieu on Friday, Sept. 18. The Knights entered the game 1-2 against a 3-0 Eagles squad, according to a Galveston County Daily News preview. The final score was confirmed by CW39 Houston. No individual stats from the game were available at publication.

Week 5 schedule

Clear Springs (2-2, 1-0 District 18-6A) travels to Dickinson at Sam Vitanza Stadium at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25. Clear Creek (1-3, 0-1) hosts Barbers Hill at Veterans Memorial Stadium at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25.