The San Saba Armadillos junior varsity football team kicked off their season in exciting fashion Thursday night, edging out the Grape Creek Eagles JV 20-14 at Rogan Field.
The Armadillos set the tone early with a surprise onside kick from Gustavo Robles that was recovered by teammate Michael Monreal, giving San Saba an early spark. Just minutes later, running back Isaac Correa broke through the Eagles’ defense for a 12-yard touchdown run. The extra point attempt was no good, but the Armadillos held a 6-0 lead.
Grape Creek responded late in the first quarter with a touchdown run of their own, followed by a successful extra point to take a 7-6 lead. The Eagles extended their advantage in the second quarter with another rushing touchdown, and with a successful extra point attempt; the score was 14-6 at halftime.
The second half belonged to the Armadillos. In the third quarter, Correa struck again, this time powering across the goal line and then adding the extra point himself to tie the game at 14-14. Robles followed with another perfectly placed onside kick, which was recovered by Elik Gomez. The Armadillos capitalized on the momentum as Correa dashed for a 23-yard touchdown run. The extra point was unsuccessful, but San Saba had regained the lead, 20-14.
The Armadillos’ defense rose to the occasion in the final quarter, with key stops led by Monreal, Gomez, and Uriel Mendoza to hold off the Eagles’ comeback attempt. The defensive stand sealed San Saba’s first victory of the season.
Correa led the offense with three touchdowns and a strong showing from the offensive line. Monreal contributed on both sides of the ball, while Gomez and Mendoza provided defensive grit in crucial moments.
The Armadillos will look to build on their momentum when they travel to Junction to face the Eagles on Thursday, September 4.