Eagle Pass Eagles collared by Laredo LBJ Wolves 24-22
By: Ricardo E. Calderon, Copyright 2014, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.
The Eagle Pass High School Eagles were collared and upset by the visiting Laredo LBJ High School Wolves 24-22 in a critical District 29-6A football game on Friday, October 17, 2014, at the Cozel Foster-Veterans Memorial Stadium during the 40th Year Class Reunion of the EPHS Class of 1974. The Laredo LBJ Wolves lead the Eagles 21-7 at halftime while the Eagles late rally in the fourth quarter fell short by two points, falling 24-22.
The Eagles offense engineered an impressive 68 yard touchdown drive on their first possession culminating on a dazzling 20 yard keeper by standout quarterback Ty Chisum and the point after attempt was good, giving the Eagles an early 7-0 lead with 8:52 remaining in the first quarter.
The stingy Eagles defense stifled the Wolves offense during the first quarter with outstanding plays from linebackers Rudy Valdez, Mike Montalvo, and Mando Lopez and the rest of the defensive unit.
Going into the second quarter, the Eagles had momentum and appeared to be dominating the Wolves. However, the never say die Wolves regrouped and bounced back in the second quarter with great vigor while the Eagles stalled their momentum.
The Wolves orchestrated a long 89 yard touchdown drive resulting in a five yard run into the end zone by standout tailback Juan Cisneros and the extra point was good, tying the game at 7-7 each with 10:41 left in the second period.
The Wolves defense clamped down on the Eagles explosive defense on their next possession, forcing them to punt to the Wolves.
The Wolves quickly struck again on the ground marching 67 yards down the Cozel Foster-Veterans Memorial Stadium turf for a three yard touchdown run by tailback Juan Cisneros and the point after attempt was good, taking a 14-7 lead over the Eagles with 8:01 remaining in the first half.
The Eagles offensive machine struggled in the second quarter as the Wolves defense kept in check quarterback Ty Chisum and tailback Mark Venegas.
The Wolves took command of the game with a 52 yard touchdown drive culminating on a one yard sneak by quarterback Arturo Jasso and the extra point was good, increasing their lead 21-7 with 4:56 left in the first half. The Wolves took the 21-7 lead into halftime.
The Eagles coaching staff made adjustments during the halftime and motivated their team to keep on fighting one play at a time.
Both teams battled in the third quarter with the defenses dominating their respective offensive units. The Wolves intercepted two Eagles quarterback Ty Chisum passes to stop potential scoring drives in the third quarter while Eagles defensive back Jesse Mata swiped an Arturo Jasso aerial pass to halt a Wolves drive.
Late in the third quarter, the Wolves defensive back Freddy Garcia pounced on an Eagles fumble recovering the ball at the Wolves 41 yard line. The Wolves capitalized on the turnover and kicked a 29 yard field goal to increase their lead 24-7 with 7:29 remaining in the fourth period.
The valiant Eagles battled every play seeking to score and narrow the Wolves lead. The Eagles engineered a lightning quick touchdown drive of 68 yards on a pair of long pass completions, culminating on a seven yard dance into the Wolves end zone by quarterback Ty Chisum and tailback DeShawn Franklin converted the two point conversion with a three yard sprint, narrowing the score 24-15 with 6:10 left in the game.
On the ensuing kickoff, the Wolves kick returner fumbled the football and the Eagles recovered the bouncing football at the Wolves seven yard line with 6:04 minutes remaining in the game. The Eagles quickly capitalized on the Wolves turnover and punched the football into the Wolves end zone on a two yard touchdown keeper by quarterback Ty Chisum and the point after attempt was good, narrowing the score 24-22 in favor of the Wolves with 5:26 left in the game. Suddenly, the Eagles regained momentum putting the Wolves on the defensive.
The Eagles defense held the Wolves explosive ground game at the Eagles 11 yard line with 58 seconds left in the game, giving the Eagles offense one last chance to score and win the game. Although the Eagles fought hard, it was not meant to be on this evening as the Wolves defense stopped the Eagles with time expiring, giving the Wolves the 24-22 victory over the Eagles in District 29-6A action.
The Eagles fall to 4-3 overall in the season and 1-1 in District 29-6A standings.
The Eagles next play the Laredo United High School Longhorns in a critical District 29-5A game on Thursday, October 23, 2014, at 7 P.M. at the Laredo United Independent School District Student Activity Complex in Laredo, Texas. All loyal Eagle Pass Eagles football fans are encouraged to attend the Eagles game versus Laredo United Longhorns and cheer them on to victory.
Go Eagle War Cry!
