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Dillos running out onto the field before the game against the Goldthwaite Eagles. San Saba Dillos won the exciting game with 41-12 results. Photo courtesy of Brendon Morris
It was the 105th Battle of the River and for the 61st time the San Saba Armadillos own the river and bragging rights for the next 365 days. The winless Eagles gave the Dillos a tough fight the first half and went into halftime trailing 6-0 before succumbing to the Dillos in the 3rd and 4th quarters.
The rivalry game lived up to the hype and the intensity was thick throughout the night with several personal fouls being handed out on both sides. Many more flags could have been thrown as both teams struggled to keep their composure in the midst of the contest.
TheArmadillos had their chance to run away with the game early, but a fumble on the two-yard line and a couple of dropped passes in the end zone gave the Eagles hope going into halftime. In the end, San Saba made their halftime adjustments, established the running game, and sent the defense soaring into the Eagles' backfield and came out victorious.
The Dillos now stand 6-3 on the season (2-3 in district) and still have a slim chance of making the playoffs. After the bye this week, they will need to defeat the Tolar Rattlers who are currently undefeated and ranked #5 in the state.
November 4th will be senior night at the Graveyard. With it being the last time many of these players will ever play at Rogan Field, it seems like just the right time to pull an upset.
Offensive stats –
Running back Ethan Gonzales was once again the workhorse for the Armadillo offense. Gonzales rushed for 144 yards on 20 carries (7.2avg) and two rushing scores. Gonzales is just 40 yards away from rushing for 1,000 yards on the season.
Quarterback Lance Taylor had a solid game managing the offense. Taylor rushed for 42 yards and was 10 of 13 passing (76%) for 155 yards and two touchdowns.
Tyler Johnson’s five receptions for 112 yards (22.4 avg) and two scores is quickly moving him up in the record books that we will discuss in the later weeks. Chipping in on offense as well were: Levi Glover, Lane Miller, and Dylan Ware (all with a reception), and running back Zurie Herrera had three carries for 74 yards (24.6 avg) and one score.
Defensive stats –
The Dillo defense dominated the Eagles and forced six turnovers, four interceptions, and two forced fumbles. The two scores that they did give up came late in the game well after San Saba had a big lead. Leading the way again was Zurrie Herrera with 18 tackles and Jesus Betancourt with 13, followed by Winton Lackey,Tyler Johnson, and Dylan Ware (with seven tackles each).
Ware also added his 13th and 14th sack on the season. Safety Lance Taylor had two interceptions while linebacker Lane Miller and defensive back Skylar Romero both added interceptions to their stats.
Game Summary –
1st Quarter –
10:01 – An onside recovery by the Dillos leads to Ethan Gonzales scoring a rushing TD from eight yards out. PAT is no good, 6-0 San Saba.
San Saba leads 6-0 at the end of the first quarter.
2nd Quarter –
For all of those who enjoy low-scoring defensive battles, this quarter was for you! The only highlights came way of an interception from safety Lance Taylor at the 9:30 mark, and another pick by linebacker Lane Miller with 6:44 left in the first half.
Halftime score – San Saba 6, Goldthwaite 0
3rd Quarter –
10:06 – The Dillos' opening drive of the second half ends with Tyler Johnson rushing in for the score from the 47-yard line, two point conversion is no good: 12-0 San Saba.
4:40 – After Taylor intercepts his second pass of the night, he turns back around on offense and connects with Tyler Johnson on a wheel route for a 75-yard score. Two point conversion is good; 20-0 San Saba.
:36 - San Saba marches the ball down to the two yard line, where Gonzales punches his way in for his second touchdown. PAT is good, 27-0 San Saba.
After three quarters of play, San Saba leads 27-0.
4th Quarter –
8:17 – Goldthwaite is finally able to get on the scoreboard with a 20-yard pass into the end zone. Two point conversion is no good, 27-6 San Saba.
3:35 – Taylor once again connects with Johnson on a 10-yard passing score. PAT is good – 34-6 San Saba.
1:15 – How is this for a series of events? After a Skylar Romero INT, RB Zurie Herrera charges 70 yards to the 3-yard line before the ground causes a fumble that the officials did not see. Eagles get the ball back, but the Dillo defense causes another fumble and recovery. Once again, Herrera runs hard into the end zone for the 4-yard score. PAT is good; 41-6 San Saba.
:34 – Goldthwaite is able to score one more time in desperation from the 3-yard line. 2 point conversion is no good: 41-12 San Saba.
Final score – San Saba 41, Goldthwaite 12