Rio Hondo Bobcats wide receiver Gilbert Mendoza is shown outrunning the Robstown Cottonpickers Friday night during week zero action. (Photo by Vince Galvan)
By CARLOS GONZALES
Special to the NEWS
RIO HONDO – If there were any doubts that Rio Hondo could again contend for a district championship this season, they were silenced after an incredible performance by the Bobcats as they defeated the Robstown Cottonpickers in week zero action with a final score of 54-6.
The ’Cats hosted the Cottonpickers Friday to what seemed like a game that would be neck and neck all night, but Rio Hondo was determined not to come up short this time around – Robstown has had the Bobcats’ number in the past – and proved they were the better team this season.
“It feels really great to get the first win,” said Head Coach Rocky James. “Last year they were a really hard team to beat.”
Fired up and ready to go, the Bobcats scored almost instantly in the first quarter on a seven-yard pass by quarterback Juan Puga to Jacob Garza, giving the Bobcats an early lead of 7-0.
After another touchdown pass to wide receiver Jorge Bermudez and a touchdown run by R.J. Vega, the Bobcats, on the strength of a sensational defensive performance, were up 20-0 going into the second quarter.
But the Bobcats, playing beastly, would not let their guard down as the defense continued to shutout the cottonpickin’ offense and not allow a single point for the rest of the first half.
The Rio Hondo offense; however, had no problem scoring behind the arm of Puga, as he threw three more touchdown passes to receivers Isaiah Valladarez, Josh Mata, and Bermudez once again. Add one more touchdown run by Vega, and you have a halftime score of 47-0.
With a huge cushion after a dominant first half, the Bobcats slowed down their speed the rest of the game by running the ball to drain the clock.
In the process, the Bobcats were able to score one more touchdown on a 27-yard run by running back Alexander Garcia, while the Cottonpickers were also finally able to get on the board with a 75-yard quarterback option, making the final score 54-6 in favor of the black and gold.
With a big win under its belt, Rio Hondo hopes to prove they are the team to beat in the District 32-3A, and will continue their quest next week as they travel to face the Edcouch-Elsa Yellow Jackets. “We are going to come out ready,” said James. “Practices have been going great, so we are going to keep that up.”
To see this story in print, pick up a copy of the Aug. 28 edition of the San Benito News. Or view our E-Edition by clicking here.
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