Aguirre’s Armadillos picked up their fifth win of the season and their second district win last Friday as they held on for a 36-28 win over the Thorndale Bulldogs. San Saba put up 21 first-half points and did just enough to hold off the pesky Bulldog team that came alive in the 2nd half and outscored the Dillos 28-15. The win keeps San Saba in control of their own destiny headed into the last three weeks of district play. A win next week against Harper virtually ensures a playoff spot and keeps San Saba in the district championship hunt with Mason and Holland who are both at the top of the district 14-2A standings.
Offensive leaders
After seven games, there is no doubt who the offensive leader is for the Armadillos. Luke Tharp once again put up MVP numbers as he rushed for 241 yards on 23 carries (10.4 avg) with two rushing touchdowns and completed three passes to Levi Glover (2) and Preston Gray (1). With three games to go, Tharp has now rushed for 1,144 yards on the season and is on pace to be one the top 10 single season rushing leaders of all time at San Saba. Jason Everette added 43 yards on seven carries and a score while Graden Lebow contributed 26 yards and Alex Estrada ran the ball seven times for 54 yards and one rushing touchdown.
Defensive leaders
Everett – 12 tackles (1TFL), Glover – 11 tackles (1 Int), English – 10 tackles (3 TFL,1 sack), Cash Bryant – 8 tackles, Tharp – 7 tackles (1 Int for a TD), Proffitt – 7 tackles (2 TFL, 1 sack), Martinez – 6 tackles (2 TFL, 1 sack), Lackey, Stencil and Pierce – 3 tackles.
Game Recap
1st Quarter
2:16 – The Dillos score the only points of the quarter after they drive the ball 74 yards to the one-yard line; from there, Tharp gets behind the Oline on a wedge play and crosses the goal line. PAT is good, 7-0 San Saba.
After one quarter of play San Saba 7, Thorndale 0.
2nd Quarter
5:19 – San Saba starts their drive from their own 10-yard line but marches down the field with ease to the 32. Tharp again weaves through the defense and scores his second touchdown of the night. PAT is good, 14-0 San Saba.
:45 – Thorndale’s hopes of a last-second score evaporates when Tharp intercepts the pass and goes in for a 65-yard “pick 6.” PAT is good, 21-0 San Saba.
Halftime score – San Saba 21, Thorndale 0.
3rd Quarter
7:05 – Following an Armadillo fumble, the Bulldogs get on the scoreboard with a 16-yard rushing score. PAT is No Good, 21-6 San Saba.
5:29 – San Saba again puts together another quick score when they move the ball to the one-yard line. Everette finds his way into the end zone for the score. PAT is No Good, 27-6 San Saba.
5:18 – Thorndale goes into their bag of tricks and scores on a 54-yard halfback pass. PAT is good, 27-13 San Saba.
At the end of the 3rd quarter – San Saba 27, Thorndale 13.
4th Quarter
11:31 – On 4th and goal from the 15-yard line, Thorndale’s QB finds his receiver in the back of the endzone. PAT is good, 27-20 San Saba.
7:05 - Brandon Gonzales adds to the Dillos' slim lead as he easily makes a 24-yard field goal. 30-20 San Saba.
2:53 – The Dillos look to run down the clock and maintain control of the game when Alex Aguirre burst through the middle of the defense and scores a 36-yard touchdown. PAT is No Good, 36-20 San Saba.
1:04 – The Bulldogs keep fighting to the end and are able to convert another 4th-down pass into the end zone from the 29-yard line. Two-point conversion is good, 36-28 San Saba.
Final score - San Saba 36, Thorndale 28.