HEMPSTEAD—The Rockdale Tigers are 2-0 af ter a w in Fr iday in Hempstead. They beat the Bobcats 28-7 and if not for a pick six early in the first quarter it would have been a defensive shut out.
So shout out to Head Football Coach Hunter Hamrick and his Defensive Coordinator Rene Muniz for the aggressive play by the Tigers. At this time last year the Blue and Gold were 0 -2 s o w hat a d ifference a year makes.
Rockdale responded quickly to Hempstead’s touchdown after the interception that put the Bobcats up 7-0.
First year varsity starter Greyson Williams hit De’Andre Stephens for a 60-yard pass that ended in a touchdown. The point after was made by kicker Fernando Pacheco who is perfect for the year. The score at the end of the first quarter was tied at 7-7.
The Tigers took the lead in the second quarter on a one-yard run by Jeramiah Butler. Pacheco’s kick made it a 14-7 ballgame.
The third quarter was quiet, neither team scored and it seemed like both teams were stuck on the 50-yard line. Both teams just camped out in midfield for what seemed like forever.
Rockdale, however, pulled up the stakes on the camp out in the fourth and scored on a Radyn Hamilton eight-yard run and then quarterback Williams threw a 71-yard touchdown strike to Stephens. Pacheco made both extra points and again the final score was Rockdale 28, Hempstead 7.
STANDOUTS— Key players in the game were:
• Stephens, two catches, two touchdowns, 131 yards.
• Butler, 12 rushing attempts with 44 yards of rushing and a touchdown
• Williams went 11 of 29 with 277 yards, two touchdowns and had three interceptions.
• Eric Sheppard had 11 tackles and two sacks.
• Radyn Hamilton had four tackles.
• Ace Taylor produced five tackles and had one sack.
• Wilmer Sorto had five tackles and a fumble recovery.
THIS WEEK— Coming up for the Tigers is Lexington who is also 2-0 after beating Marlin, 27-12, and Little River-Academy, 45-21. The Eagles are picked to win their district and are nothing but improved since the Tigers beat them on the road last year.
Lexington did go three deep into the playof fs last year, they have a second- year starter under center, good offensive and defensive lines and they play like it matters in the secondary.
Coach Hamrick says, “We are going to treat this like a district game.”
“We are still showing our youth but improving,” he added. “Our defense is getting comfortable and no longer in a read-and-react mindset but playing with an aggressive attitude.”
The game will be played at Tiger Stadium and will begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Come cheer the Tigers on to victory.
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