QB Chavez again shines at Mercedes roars past Roma
MERCEDES — The Mercedes’ offensive line protected its star quarterback Albert Chavez, who in return dissected Roma’s defense during an easy 45-7 District 32-4A victory over the Gladiators on Friday night at Tiger Stadium.
The district’s leading passer threw to eight different receivers while tossing four touchdown passes and accumulating 345 yards of total offense with just about all the damage done in the first half. The few times the Gladiators (4-3, 1-3) managed to get into Chavez’s face, the 6-foot-3 signal caller managed to juke his way out.
“Once I get into a rhythm, there’s no stopping me, I’m sorry to say,” Chavez said.
With all due respect, Chavez doesn’t need to apologize with the kind of season he’s having during 2009.
Even Gladiators coach Max Habecker Jr. couldn’t help but smile when asked about Chavez.
“He definitely makes that offense run,” he said. “The guy is good.”
Midway through the third quarter with the Tigers (4-3, 3-1) leading 38-0, Chavez was benched in favor of backup quarterback Jesus Flores while other players followed. Up next for red-hot Mercedes is a date with unbeaten Weslaco East (7-0, 4-0) in a key district battle in what should be a hostile house at Bobby Lackey Stadium. It’s a game Chavez is ready for.
“I’m ready to play right now,” he said.
The Tigers reeled of 38 points during the first half, scoring in all six of their possessions. Jaime Castañeda got things going on a quick 3-yard scamper set up by his 65-yard kickoff return to start the game for a quick 7-0 lead with the game only over a minute old. Then Chavez went on to toss two straight TD passes with the first going to running back Ruben Sosa on a screen play, then finding his favorite target Jonathan Ayala in the back of the end zone for a 21-0 lead early in the second quarter.
After a field goal, Chavez found Ayala again for a 26-yard score and hit Esteban Gonzalez for a 6-yard strike for a 38-0 lead.
“It was a nice day,” Chavez said.
