By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
RIO HONDO, TX — Led by running back Mario Lopez, the Bobcat Varsity Football Team returned to its winning ways Thursday night against the winless Hidalgo Pirates with 53-22 home victory.
Lopez, who rushed for more than 160 yards, scored three Rio Hondo touchdowns of 2, 6, and 11 yards.
He helped Rio Hondo improve its season record to 2-1, the first two games on the road.
The Bobcats put on an offensive showcase that tallied seven touchdowns, including three through the air.
Although the Pirates traded leads twice early in the first half with scores coming courtesy of a 90-yard kickoff return and a 69-yard rushing touchdown, their defense faltered.
The Pirates couldn’t contain the Bobcats. When Lopez scored his second rushing touchdown at the 8:05 mark of the second quarter, it was a lead Rio Hondo would not relinquish the rest of the game.
Starting Rio Hondo quarterback Ruben Atkinson (81 yards) was 10-of-16 in pass completions with no interceptions, most of his damage coming before halftime. His contribution included a 35-yard touchdown pass to Emmanuel Perez to give Rio Hondo a double digital lead halfway through the second quarter. The team took a 47-14 lead late in the third quarter when backup quarterback Matthew Lopez found Mario Lopez for a 24-yard passing strike.
Kicker Leo Quezada scored twice on field goals of 47 and 26 yards. He was 5-of-7 on extra-point kicks.
Hidalgo came into the game seeking its first season win after losing to Brownsville Pace (44-21) and La Feria (27-14).
Rio Hondo entered its home opener with an even record after beating Pharr Valley View (73-20) and losing to Port Isabel (27-24).
Rio Hondo begins district play when it hosts San Diego at home, Sept. 20.
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