The San Saba Armadillos braved an early kickoff and looming weather to put on a dominant performance Friday night, defeating the Harper Longhorns 42–7 in district play. The win improves San Saba’s record to 5–3 overall and 2–1 in district, keeping the Armadillos in strong playoff contention.
The game was moved up an hour due to forecasts of inclement weather, but the Armadillos wasted no time setting the tone. On their opening possession, Luke Tharp powered into the end zone from one yard out, and Brandon Gonzales added the extra point to give San Saba an early 7–0 lead.
Harper responded on its next drive with a 10-yard touchdown pass, evening the score at 7–7 after a successful extra point. But from there, it was all San Saba.
Tharp broke free later in the first quarter for a 55-yard touchdown run, putting the Armadillos ahead 14–7 after another Gonzales PAT. He struck again in the second quarter with a 3-yard scoring run, giving San Saba a 21–7 halftime lead.
The second half was more of the same as the Armadillos’ offense and defense controlled every phase of the game. Despite a narrow miss on a 35-yard field goal attempt, the Dillos continued to pour it on. Graden Lebow
punched in a 2-yard touchdown run to extend the lead, followed by Jason Everett’s explosive 56-yard touchdown run. Gonzales remained perfect on extra points, stretching the lead to 35–7 entering the fourth quarter.
Enrique Mendoza capped the scoring for San Saba with a 7-yard touchdown run in the final period, and Gonzales’ extra point made it a clean 42–7
victory.
Tharp led the offense with a career night, carrying the ball 18 times for 219 yards and three touchdowns. Everett added 112 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries, while Mendoza contributed 43 yards and a score on five attempts. Lebow chipped in another touchdown on the ground. Quarterback JJ Romero went a perfect 2-for-2 passing, connecting both times with Danny English for 16 total yards.
On defense, Kaylub Roberts led the charge with 13 tackles,
including six for loss and one sack. Clayton Meador followed closely with 11 tackles, four for loss, and two sacks.
Everett was equally impressive
on the defensive side, tallying nine tackles with three for loss. Lebow and Melvin Umble each added eight tackles, and both Lebow and Jayden Aguirre recorded two pass breakups apiece.
The Armadillos will look to carry their momentum into this week’s matchup as they return home to Rogan Field to face the Holland Hornets. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. Friday.
Game Recap 1st Quarter
SS - Luke Tharp 1 yd. TD run(Brandon Gonzales xpt., Good) H - 10 yd. TD pass(xpt., Good) SS - Tharp 55 yd. TD run(Gonzales’ xpt., Good)
2nd Quarter
SS - Tharp 3 yd. TD run(Gonzales’ xpt., Good) Halftime score San Saba 21 – Harper 7
3rd Quarter
SS - Graden Lebow 2 yd. TD run(Gonzales’ xpt., Good) SS - Jason Everett 56 yd. TD run(Gonzales’ xpt., Good) At the end of the 3rd quarter, San Saba 35 – Harper 7
4th Quarter
SS - Enrique Mendoza 7 yd. TD run(Gonzales’ xpt., Good) Final Score, San Saba 42 – Harper 7