Interception return gives Rowe life in win over Rivera

With both teams having a lackluster night on offense, it seemed only fitting the winning score would come elsewhere.

Defensive back Sergio Rodriguez picked off Rivera’s J.J. Sanchez and ran untouched for 32 yards and a touchdown during the third quarter, giving Rowe its first lead. It held up as the Warriors won 28-7 on Thursday night at Sams Stadium.

"It was a momentum breaker, and our kids got on the momentum ride," McAllen Rowe coach Gary Lauer said. "It went to our offense, special teams and our defense stepped up even more. It was good to see our offense finally start clicking (in the second half.)"

It was another tough loss for Rivera as turnovers once again were a factor, giving up the interception return and a fumble late in the second quarter that prevented points.

"It’s getting really frustrating, us giving away the games," Rivera coach Jim Helms said. "We can’t be turning over the ball, especially in those situations. We’re going to have to regroup and get ready for district next week."

The interception return ignited the Warriors offense, which only had three first downs in the first half.

On Rowe’s ensuing possession after the Rodriguez score, McAllen Rowe went 58 yards on five plays and Luis Ramirez dove in from 3 yards out, giving the Warriors a 21-7 lead with 10:39 left in the game.

Rowe then went on a time-consuming drive, marching 68 yards on Rivera’s defense and scoring on a 11-yard QB sweep by Josh Gatling for a 28-7 lead with 3:30 in the fourth quarter.

Rivera drew first blood on the first play of the second quarter when Raiders running back Alex Moran broke up the field for a 35-yard score for a 7-0 advantage.

Two drives later, McAllen Rowe took advantage of excellent field position at the Rivera 32. Ramirez scampered down the sidelines for 30 yards, giving the Warriors a first and goal on the 2.

On the ensuing play, Danny Ramos dove in for the 2-yard touchdown to knot the game at 7 with 5:15 remaining in the first half.

The Raiders had a golden opportunity after runs of 23 and 17 yards from Moran put Rivera on the 8-yard line. The junior running back fumbled and Rowe recovered, but then the Warriors gave the ball back on the next play, when Ramirez fumbled on a hit by Frank Cardenas.

Rivera couldn’t take advantage and left with no points after Saul Cortez missed a 28-yard field goal wide left with less than one minute to play in the second quarter.

Louie Vera covers District 32-5A football for Valley Freedom Newspapers. He can be reached at (956) 982-6663 or via e-mail at lvera@brownsvilleherald.com