San Saba suffered their first district loss of the season to the Holland Hornets last Friday night in a high scoring affair 44-41. The Dillos accumulated over 450 yards of total offense on just 37 plays (12.3 YPP) but could not overcome the speedy Hornet offense that was able to convert touchdowns on six of their nine drives. The loss moves San Saba to the third seat in district 14-2A, but a win over the sixth-ranked Mason Punchers would create a three-way tie for first that would then make San Saba tri-champions.
Friday night will be senior night at the Graveyard and the last time the eight seniors will play in front of the home crowd; there is no better way for the Armadillos to finish the regular season than with a win over their long-time rivals. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.
Offensive stats
Here is a stat I feel confident I have never written… Luke Tharp ran the ball 22 times for 403 yards rushing (18.3 avg) and scored six rushing touchdowns. Tharp has accumulated 1,761 yards rushing this season and is now a Top Five Single Season Rusher in San Saba. With at least two games to go, Tharp will be closing in on Eli Salinas' and John Henry's single season rushing records. Estrada rushed for 24 yards on six carries while Everett and Lebow rushed for 10 yards each. Glover and English contributed one reception a piece.
Defensive Leaders
Glover - 17 tackles (one TFL), Everett – 15 (three TFL), Kolton Pierce – 13 (four TFL), Adrian Martinez – eight (one TFL), Juan Patino – seven (one TFL), Kaylub Roberts – six (one TFL), Cash Bryant – six (one TFL), Winton Lackey – five.
1st Quarter 11:05 – The Dillos opening drive takes two plays and ends with Tharp scoring from 63 yards out. PAT is good, 7-0 San Saba.
1:40 – The Hornets drive the ball 75 yards and score on a 19yard run. Two-point conversion is good, 7-8 Holland.
:45 – Tharp's second score comes way of a 36-yard run just before the end of the quarter. PAT is good, 14-8 San Saba.
At the end of the first quarter – San Saba 14, Holland 8 2nd Quarter
8:10 – The Hornets capitalize on short field position and move the ball 24 yards and score on a rushing TD. PAT is good, 14-15 Holland.
5:06 – Following a snap over the punter's head, the Hornets are able to make the best of the field position and cross the goal line on a two-yard score. PAT is good, 14-22 Holland.
4:43 – Tharp bobs his way through the defense and scores his third rushing TD of the game on a 66-yard run. PAT is good, 21-22 Holland.
2:54 – Holland moves the ball 64 yards in little over a minute and crosses the goal line once again. PAT is good, 21-29 Holland.
1:56 – Guess who? Yep, Tharp burst into the open field and picks up touchdown #4 on a 58-yard run. PAT is good, 28-29 Holland.
:47 - The Hornets go to the air and convert a pass into an 18-yard score. Two-point conversion is good, 28-37 Holland.
Halftime score – San Saba 28, Holland 37 3rd Quarter
4:37 – The Dillos defense overcomes a “questionable” call on 4th down and a Hornet missed field goal and take over on their own 16-yard line. Tharp shows off his speed and sprints 84 yards for another rushing touchdown. PAT is good, 35-37 Holland.
3:09 – The Hornets running back finds a lane in the defense and dashes to the end zone for a 54-yard score. PAT is good, 35-44 Holland.
4:19 – Tharp once again attempts to keep the Dillos in the game when he crosses the goal line on a 33-yard rushing TD. PAT is NO GOOD, 41-44 Holland.
Final Score – San Saba 41, Holland 44