With the Riverside Rangers coming off an emphatic win last week in their district opener at Irvin, they looked to carry on the momentum into Friday night’s matchup, as they hosted the San Elizario Eagles.
The Rangers started making their statement 2 minutes into the game with a 30-yard Jose Guardado Touchdown run to put Riverside up, 7-0. On the very next drive, the Rangers forced a fumble on San Elizario’s first play and they recovered in Eagle territory. Riverside capitalized with a 37-yard Field Goal to take the 10-0 lead.
Still in the 1st Quarter, Riverside’s Adrian Estrada got into the scoring party for the Rangers with a 47-yard Touchdown run to put the Rangers up, 17-0, with 3:25 left in the opening quarter.
The Eagles were able to answer back on their ensuing drive with a 75-yard Julian Morales Touchdown reception to cut the Ranger lead, 17-6. With 1:48 left in the First Quarter, Riverside had a 75-yard Touchdown pass of their own, as Ian Montion connected with Tristan Lopez. With only 19 seconds left in the First Quarter, the Rangers never let their foot off the pedal, as Ian Montion found Jose Guardado for a 53-yard Touchdown pass to put the Rangers up, 31-6.
The Rangers continued their impressive offensive display in the middle of the 2nd Quarter when Ian Montion, once again, found Tristan Lopez – this time for a 56-yard yard Touchdown pass to go up, 38-6. The Rangers showcased the offensive power and speed they have – especially from standout runningback – Jose Guardado, as he had a 91-yard burst to the endzone to send the Rangers with a resounding 45-6 lead at halftime.
The sole score of the 2nd half came with 4:23 left in the 3rd Quarter with a 3-yard Adrian Estrada Touchdown run.
The Rangers ended Friday night’s matchup at Tom Work Riverfront Stadium with a 51-6 victory.
Next Friday, the San Elizario Eagles (2-6, 0-2), will host the Bowie Bears. The Rangers (7-1, 2-0), will travel to R.E. McKee Stadium, as they will face the Austin Panthers in a District 1-4A showdown with District title implications written all over it.
Story by Paul David Oliver