Rio Grande City stays alive with win

McALLEN — With less than seven minutes to play in the game, McAllen Rowe started at its 27-yard line.

Junior quarterback Daniel Navarro marched his team down the field with one mission, the end zone. As the Warriors drove the ball everything seemed to be coming into place. That is until Navarro threw an interception with three minutes left to play.

Rio Grande City was able to get the two first downs it needed and held on to beat Rowe 32-28.

“The defense came through when they had to,” coach Jesus Lozano said. “Coach (Zef) Compean took over the defense two weeks ago and he’s doing a good job. The kids are excited and they made a stop when they had to.”

On the offensive side of the ball, the Warriors put up 352 yards of total offense with 19 first downs. The Rattlers though put up 421 yards of total offense. They were able to rush for 384 yards against the Warriors defense.

“You know I never praise my offense and I want to praise my offense,” Lozano said. “All year long I’ve gone without praising my offense. My staff has done a good job coaching the kids and it’s a total team effort.”

One person whose future is might be questionable on Lozano’s offense is running back Freddy Lopez. He went out on a play during the third quarter and didn’t return. He had 99 yards on nine carres.

“He’s got the same shoulder problem as last week, but I’m not sure on him yet,” Lozano said.

Up next for the Rattlers is La Joya. With a win against La Joya and some other factors, the Rattlers are still in contention for the playoffs. With the loss, Rowe is eliminated from postseason contention.

“If we beat La Joya and Donna beats memorial we’re in,” Lozano said. “Or if we beat La Joya and Memorial beats Donna by nine points or less we’re still in. We have a shot.”