The San Saba Armadillos varsity football team opened their 2025 season in commanding fashion Friday night, defeating the Grape Creek Eagles 27-12, in Grape Creek.
Though the Eagles struck first with a rushing touchdown in the opening quarter, their momentum was short-lived. The extra point attempt was denied when Armadillo standout Luke Tharp intercepted the ball in the end zone. Tharp quickly shifted the tide, later capping off a San Saba drive with a 2-yard touchdown run. The extra point attempt by Brandon Gonzales was no good, leaving the game tied 6-6 after the first quarter.
From there, the Armadillos took control. Tharp electrified the home crowd with a 60-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, followed by a Gonzales kick to make it 13-6. Minutes later, Tharp snagged his second interception of the night, setting up a 23-yard touchdown run by Jason Everett. Gonzales once again connected on the point after, stretching San Saba’s lead to 20-6. Tharp wasn’t done yet, hauling in his third interception to close out the first half and stall another Eagles’ drive.
The Armadillos wasted no time in the third quarter. A 65-yard run by Enrique Mendoza set the stage for a 12-yard touchdown pass from quarterback JJ Romero to receiver Cash Bryant. Gonzales drilled the extra point, putting San Saba ahead 27-6 going into the final quarter.
Grape Creek added a late touchdown in the fourth but failed on the conversion attempt, leaving the final score 27-12.
San Saba’s offense was powered by Tharp, who carried the ball 17 times for 142 yards and two touchdowns. Everett provided strong support with 13 rushes for 74 yards and one touchdown. Romero was perfect through the air, going 3-for-3 for 32 yards, including the 12-yard scoring strike to Bryant, who finished with two receptions for 20 yards.
On defense, Everett led the charge with 17 tackles, three of them for loss. Graden Lebow added 15 tackles with three for loss, while defensive lineman Kaylub Roberts chipped in eight stops. Tharp’s three interceptions proved to be game-changing moments for the Armadillos.
The victory gives San Saba a 1-0 start to the season. The Armadillos will look to carry their momentum into next week as they travel to Junction to face the Eagles on Friday, September 5.
Game Recap
1st Quarter
Grape Creek Score (extra point no good due to Luke Tharp interception)
Luke Tharp 2 yd. TD run (extra point by Brandon Gonzales, no good)
2nd Quarter
Tharp 60 yd. TD run (extra point by Gonzales, good)
Tharp interception Jason Everett 23 yd. TD run(extra point by Gonzales, good)
Tharp interception
Halftime score San Saba 20 – Grape Creek 6
3rd Quarter
JJ Romero 12 yd. TD pass to Cash Bryant
At the end of the 3rd quarter, San Saba 27 - Grape Creek 6
4th Quarter
Grape Creek Score(extra point attempt, no good)
Final Score, San Saba 27 – Grape Creek 12