C.C. Winn Mavericks stampede Laredo Martin Tigers 34-21 as Place Kicker Dante Valdez sets School record 47 yard field goal

By: Ricardo E. Calderon, Copyright 2014, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.

The thundering Eagle Pass C. C. Winn High School Mavericks stampeded the visiting Laredo Martin High School Tigers 34-21 in a key District 29-5A football game on Friday, October 24, 2014, at the Eagle Pass Independent School District Cozel Foster-Veterans Memorial Stadium in Eagle Pass, Texas, as Mavericks standout senior place kicker Dante Valdez set a new school and city field goal record with a 47 yard boot in the second quarter with two seconds remaining in the second quarter. Valdez also kicked a 38 yard field goal earlier in the second quarter with 6:39 minutes left in the first half.

The Mavericks improve to 3-5 overall in the season and 2-3 in District 29-5A standings.

The visiting Tigers took the opening kick-off and quickly proceeded to execute a patented 65 yard touchdown drive culminating on a one yard run by tailback Jonathan Brooks and the point after attempt was good to give the Tigers an early 7-0 lead over the Mavericks with 9:11 remaining in the first quarter.

The Mavericks offensive machine responded with a 90 yard textbook touchdown drive resulting in a 44 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Juan Elizondo to wide receiver Julio Ruiz and the extra point was good, tying the game 7-7 a piece with 49 seconds left in the first period.

The Tigers came back roaring with a 74 yard touchdown drive culminating on a dazzling 74 yard run into the Eagles end zone and the point after attempt was good to give the Tigers a slim 14-7 lead over the Mavericks with 28 seconds left in the first quarter.

The never say die Mavericks quickly responded with a 51 yard touchdown drive on a sensational 46 yard sprint past the Tigers defense by quarterback Juan Elizondo and the point after attempt was good, tying the game at 14-14 each with 10:36 minutes left in the second period.

The Mavericks defense stopped the Tigers on the ensuing drive at their 27 yard line on a fourth and a few yards to the dismay of the Tigers coaching staff and took over the football on downs. The Mavericks capitalized on excellent field position by booting a 38 yard field goal by standout senior place kicker Dante Valdez to give the Mavericks a slim 17-14 lead with 6:39 minutes remaining in the second stanza.

The Mavericks defense led by linebacker Ryan Pike, Chris Aranda, and Everardo De Los Santos stifled the Tigers offensive machine once again forcing the Tigers to fumble the football with Maverick defensive back Jonathan Villarreal recovered the football at the Martin 49 yard line with 1:31 minutes left before halftime.

The Mavericks drive stalled at the Tigers 30 yard line but Head Coach Eric Villasenor called upon senior place kicker Dante Valdez to attempt a 47 yard field goal with two seconds remaining in the second quarter. Valdez’s kick sailed through the cool, illuminated sky into the goal posts, establishing a new school and City of Eagle Pass record for the longest field goal made at 47 yards out. Gooood!!! Valdez’s record setting field goal lifted the Mavericks spirits and confidence going into the halftime locker room with a 20-14 lead on the golden foot of place kicker Dante Valdez.

In the third quarter, Mavericks standout tailback and kick return specialist Deion Alonso returned the second half opening kick off to the Tigers 17 yard line but a penalty moved the football to the Tigers 27 yard line. The Mavericks standout dual tailback and linebacker Chris Aranda busted open through the porous Tigers defense and eluded a few would be tacklers resulting in a 27 yard touchdown run into the end zone and the point after attempt was good to increase the Mavericks lead 27-14 with 11:32 minutes remaining in the third period.

The game went down to the wire in the fourth quarter as the Tigers engineered an 88 yard touchdown drive culminating in a 33 yard touchdown pass reception by wide receiver Javier Hernandez and the point after attempt was good, narrowing the score 27-21 in favor of the Mavericks with 11:29 left in the game.

The Mavericks remained calm and cool under pressure orchestrating a 67 yard touchdown drive resulting in a beautiful 43 yard touchdown run by standout tailback Deion Alonso and the point after attempt was good, providing the Mavericks a 34-21 lead over the Tigers with 9:34 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.

The Mavericks defense completely dominated the explosive Tigers offense during the remaining fourth period to preserve the hard fought and well earned District 29-5A victory.

The Mavericks next play the Laredo Nixon High School Mustangs on Friday, October 31, 2014, at 7:30 P.M. during Homecoming festivities at the EPISD Cozel Foster-Veterans Memorial Stadium in another key District 29-5A clash.
The loyal Mavericks Nation aficionados are encouraged to attend and support the Mavericks on to victory.