By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
SAN DIEGO, TX—What was billed as a battle of two District 32-3A title contenders proved to be a lopsided victory for the Rio Hondo Bobcat Varsity Football Team.
By game’s end, the San Diego Vaqueros were defeated at their home stadium, making for a tough night against the Rio Hondo Bobcats, 28-7.
“The San Diego win was a really good one, you always want to get that first district win under your belt,” Rio Hondo Head Coach Rocky James said. “We played very well on all three phases of the game. We shut down their best player, and our offense put up points.”
The district opener might have been the Bobcats’ narrowest victory of the year so far. Still, they nearly pitched a shutout, allowing a touchdown after the outcome was already settled.
The defense gave up just 119 yards, forcing three fumbles and a lone interception.
The Bobcats swarmed the Vaqueros’ offense by earning three and a half quarterback sacks, six pass breakups, and five tackles for losses.
The Bobcats defenders continue to add to their season sack list, including Noe Leos (5), Marcus Leos (2.5), and Julian Maldonado (2).
Rio Hondo’s interception leaders are Jaziah Arredondo (2) and Joel Medina (1).
Not to be overshadowed by its defense, Rio Hondo received the opening kickoff and proceeded to score on its first offensive drive.
It was The Mario Lopez Show as the junior running back scored his first of four touchdowns and gained 200 yards on 30 carries.
For good measure, Lopez scored again in the opening quarter.
Rio Hondo extended its lead before halftime on Lopez’s third TD.
Lopez closed out his team’s scoring in the third quarter with less than six minutes.
Rio Hondo junior kicker Albert Villalovos was successful on all four of his point after attempts following the TD scores. He has connected on all 24 PATs this season.
Rio Hondo (4-0, 1-0) will play at home against Bishop (1-3, 1-0), which edged out Lyford (3-1, 0-1) with a 21-13 score in last week’s district opener.
Bishop has lost to London (28-21), Brownsville Pace (35-34), and Rockport-Fulton (44-3).
“We now face the team that gave us our only district loss (last year), Bishop, so I’m hoping this is the motivation my boys need to get us the victory,” Coach James said. “We’re pretty healthy right now and have a bye next week. Bishop is a very talented team, but I know we will be up for the challenge.”
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