Post by TEAM FALCON on Oct 22, 2011 17:10:41 GMT 3
Quick run lifts Falcons to win over Raiders
October 22, 2011 12:10 AM
Todd Orodenker
The Brownsville Herald
BROWNSVILLE — During a span of about two minutes of game time, the Los Fresnos Falcons really showed what a balanced team can do.
A big run, a turnover, a big pass, another turnover and one more big pass helped the Falcons put away the Rivera Raiders and pick up a 52-28 victory Friday at Sams Stadium.
The Falcons (6-2 overall, 3-2 District 32-5A) can now clinch a playoff spot with a win next Friday at home against Pace. But for tonight, they’ll take this next step.
"It was nice, it was a nice win for us," Los Fresnos coach Clint Finley said. "Pretty good night overall."
Ahead 17-7 early in the third quarter, the Falcons got a 49-yard touchdown run from Eduardo Ramirez to extend their lead. Three play later, Manny Saldana picked off Osiel Benavides and gave the Falcons the ball at their own 40. Seconds later, Jonmichael Rosales found Akeem Simien for a 60-yard TD.
On the kickoff, the Raiders couldn’t handle the bouncing the ball, giving the Falcons terrific field position. A few plays later, they cashed in when Rosales hit Connor McCormick from 27 yards away.
17-7 to 38-7. And it didn't take very long, either.
"It was good for the kids to come out and respond," Finley said. "I was glad that our kids were able to respond and refocus."
Rivera (1-7, 0-5) didn’t go away, though, getting a 9-yard TD pass from Benavides to Rolando Lozano. But then Chris Galarza responded with a 27-yard TD run.
After the Raiders cut into the lead again with an 11-yard run from Jacquil Evans, Ramirez iced the game with a 21-yard scamper early in the fourth.
"We wanted to come out and finish the game quick," Ramirez said. "We practically did it."
Evans hit again from 10 yards away late in the fourth, but at that point, the Raiders’ fate had already been sealed.
"Credit goes to their kids," Rivera coach David Cantu said. "Their kids stepped up and made big plays when it mattered."
The Falcons jumped out to a 7-0 lead on a 3-yard run by Freddy Becerra. Then, after forcing a punt, Rosales hit Jaime Mata on a screen pass, and he took that 56 yards to the house to give Los Fresnos a 14-0 lead. Miguel Cruz added a 27-yard field goal early in the second to make it 17-0.
Rivera answered, putting together a stellar 14-play, 74-yard drive driven home by Alfonso Torres on a 7-yard run. But on the Raiders' next drive, Torres failed to get past the line on 4th-and-1 at the Falcons' five, which ended a scoring threat just before the half.
Instead of 17-14, it was 17-7. From there, the Falcons took control. And like last week, the balance between the passing game and running game was key.
"It’s kind of been the goal to be more balanced (throughout) the season," Finley said. "It’s starting to turn in that direction a little bit."
Rosales finished with 244 yards on 14 of 19 passing. He found Simien five times for 104 yards. Ramirez had 148 yards on 17 carries.
Evans led Rivera with 20 carries for 160 yards.
But for the Falcons, their attention turns to Pace (6-1, 3-1) next Friday, where they can clinch a playoff spot in what will probably be their final home game of the season.
"It’s going to be a tough football game," Finley said. "We’re going to have to sure some things up defensively, hopefully we can contain them."
Rivera will visit Weslaco High (8-0, 5-0), which can clinch a share of the district title, on Thursday.
Todd Orodenker covers District 32-5A for Valley Freedom Newspapers. You can reach him at (956) 982-6663 or via e-mail at torodenker@brownsvilleherald.com. Follow him on Twitter @toddo243.
Read more: www.rgvsports.com/articles/win-10335-falcons-lifts.html#ixzz1bWGyxEyW
