The season opener at Rogan Field was not a good one for the Armadillos as they fell to the Junction Eagles 34-22. San Saba is now 1-1 on the young year and are looking to bounce back against the Johnson City Eagles next Friday at Rogan Field; kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Four punts, 2 interceptions a turnover on downs, and a fumble. When your first eight offensive drives come out with that end result, it sure makes for a tough night of football. San Saba was able to put together several drives late in the game to make the score respectable.
Offensive Leaders
Running back Ethan Gonzales once again was the offensive leader last Friday evening. Gonzales had 18 carries for 90 yards (5 yard avg) with one score from the line of scrimmage. Gonzales also picked up 54 yards receiving on five catches (10.8 avg) and one receiving touchdown. Van Bibber made a big impact from the receiver position having caught six passes for 59 yards (9.8 avg) and one touchdown. Other receivers making plays in the passing game were Levi Glover with three catches for 27 yards and Skylar Ramiro who came through with two timely catches. Lane Miller started the game at quarterback. Miller rushed the ball eight times for 20 yards (2.5 avg) and was 9 of 17 passing (52%) with 94 yards and two interceptions. Lackey came into the game at quarterback midway through the third quarter and had six rushes for 39 yards (6.5 avg) and passed for 92 yards and threw two touchdowns on 6 of 10 passing (60%).
Defensive Leaders
The final score did not do justice for the Armadillo defense. The Dillo “D” played well up until the five minute mark of the third quarter but finally succumbed to the Eagles offense that consistently had a short field to work from. San Saba’s defense held strong five out of the first six Eagle possessions before finally breaking and allowing Junction to score touchdowns on their last four drives.
Leading the Dillos on defense was Ethan Gonzales with eight tackles, one of those for a loss. Levi Glover and Adrian Martinez had six tackles each while Glover recovered his 2nd fumble of the year. Julius Salinas had 5 tackles followed by Jefferson Stencil, Alex Estrada, and Juan Patino with four tackles each. Skylar Ramiro entered the stat books with his first interception of the year.
Game Recap First Quarter
4:26 –After the Dillos opening drive stalls, the Eagles march the ball down the field and produce the only score of the half on a five yard run. PAT is good, 7-0 Junction.
Halftime score: San Saba 0, Junction 7
3rd Quarter
5:09 – After a promising drive ends on a fumble for San Saba, Junction moved the ball to the 5-yard line where they were able to score. PAT is good, 14-0 Junction.
4:17 – Junction converts their second drive of the half into a touchdown courtesy of a 23-yard run. PAT is good, 21-0 Junction.
At the end of three quarters of play, San Saba 0 Junction 21
4th Quarter
10:31 – The defensive wheels completely fall off for the Dillos as Junction scores on a 23-yard QB run. PAT is no good, 27-0 Junction.
10:02 – The Dillos finally get on the scoreboard when Lackey connects with Gonzales down the sideline on a 46-yard pass. Two point conversion is no good, 27-6 Junction.
6:52 – On fourth and goal from the seven, Junction converts a run play into a touchdown. PAT is good, 34-6 Junction.
3:36 – Lackey’s short slant pass to Van Bibber turns into a 42-yard score. Two-point conversion is good, 34-14 Junction.
:57 – After Glover recovers and onside kick, the Dillos move the ball to the 19-yard line where Gonzales was able to score on an outside run. Two-point conversion is good, 34-22 Junction.
Final score: San Saba 22Junction 34