It was a slugfest for the first quarter of the match up against the Troy Trojans last Friday night at Tiger Stadium. Each team put up an amazing number of points in the first quarter— after 12 minutes the Tigers even had the lead, 28-21. Everyone had to wonder if we were watching what was going to be an upset.
The District 11-3A DI second-place Trojans, however, showed up and showed off after they had allowed the Tigers to use onside kicks and other creative plays to produce their 28 points.
Troy kept Rockdale off the scoreboard for the rest of the game and, unfortunately, the Tigers were not able to return the favor. The Trojans hung a ghastly 41 points in the last three quarters of this game. The final score was Troy 62, Rockdale 28.
Let’s unpack the first quarter scoring free-forall.
Quarterback Greyson Wi l l iams found w ide receiver De’Andre Stephens for 20 yards and scored the f irst Tiger touchdown. Kicker Fernando Pacheco was good on the extra point and Rockdale was in the game, 7-7.
Fearless Brody Willard, who could probably play any position on the field, got the call and tossed up a 72-yard strike to Stephens that produced a touchdown and kept the Tigers and Trojans tied at 14 after the Pacheco kick.
Running back Jeramiah Butler ran through the Trojan defense from 11 yards out to hit paydirt and that once again tied the game at 21-21.
Finally QB Williams hit Stephens for seven yards— touchdown Tigers. Pacheco who was perfect for the night did his job again and, after a first quarter that kept you mesmerized and was more like a pingpong match than a football game, the score was Tigers 28, Trojans 21.
The Trojans went on to score 14 in the second quarter creating a halftime score of Troy 34, Rockdale 28.
Rockdale allowed 13 points in the third and 14 in the fourth. Again, the final score was Trojans 62, Tigers 28.
It does not matter what Dave Campbell says, Rockdale is better than their 0-4 district record and better than their 3-6 overall record.
The Tigers sometimes resemble a winning team and then that identity fades like the sun at sunset. No doubt if you bleed Blue & Gold your heart has been broken a few times this year.
It is obvious Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Hunter Hamrick and his staff work hard and always have an intentional game plan and we appreciate their effort.
Despite the loss, Rockdale knows how to score, we have some individuals with some great stats. Penalties and interceptions always hurt and there is some lack of discipline but there is a culture being created and we look forward to learning how to win as a team.
HIGHLIGHTS— Key play/players from Friday night:
• 72-yard pass from Brody Willard to De’Andre Stephens.
• Wilmer Sorto, 10 tackles.
• Willard seven tackles.
• Stephens one interception
• Rachaid Wilson, seven tackles.
STATS—Individual statistics:
Rushing—Jera miah Butler, 17 carries, 99 yards, one touchdown.
Passing—Greyson Williams, 16 of 22, 113 yards, two touchdowns, two INTs.
Receiving—De’Andre Stephens, seven catches, 122 yards, three touchdowns
THIS WEEK—The final stop for the Tigers this year is at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Franklin. The Lions are undefeated in district, are 6-2 overall and are ranked No. 8 in the state by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football.
Let’s go Tigers!
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