8th Mules vs. River Road (10-8-2015)

8^th Mules vs. River Road (10-8-2015)

The eighth grade Mules had to battle back from a 6-0 deficit in the second half to defeat the River Road Wildcats 24-6 to stay undefeated on the season.

The Mules caught a break as the first half was drawing to a close. The Wildcats intercepted a Mule pass and was on the way to a touchdown when a blocking in the back penalty was called.

The Wildcats returned the second half kickoff to the Mule 41. The Wildcats scored on a 35-yard run. Cristian Bustillos’ tackle prevented the Wildcat two-point conversion. River Road led the Mules 6-0 with 6:29 remaining in the third period.

The Wildcat onside kick was fielded by David Olvera at the Mule 43 and he dropped to the turf.

Matthew Alarcon headed wide right for 12 yards. Damian Juarez then tossed to Alarcon for a 36-yard gain. Juarez scored on a five-yard run to tie the game at 6-6. Juarez tacked on the two-point conversion to put the Mules in front to stay with 5:12 left in the third quarter.

Following the Mule kickoff the Wildcats reached near midfield before having to punt. The ball rolled dead at the Mule 10-yard line.

Hector Arras took a pitch right for 22 yards. Juarez passed to Alarcon for 10 yards to end the third period. Juarez kept on back-to-back plays for a total of 16 yards. Juarez and Cardenas connected for 34 yards.

Arras carried in for a 13-yard TD run. Elio Sanchez snagged the two-point conversion pass from Juarez. The Mules led 16-6 with 6:08 remaining in the game.

Nathan Rodriguez booted the ensuing kickoff to the Wildcat 18 and after a short return River Road started at the Wildcat 37. Following a 28-yard gain Juarez recovered a Wildcat fumble at the Mule 40.

The Mules marched downfield with Juarez gaining eight yards on first down. Arras scooted up the middle for nine yards on second down. Juarez tossed a wide receiver screen to Alarcon for a 25 yard gain.

Juarez broke up the middle for the final 18 yards and a touchdown. Bustillos made the catch for the two-point conversion and the final points of the game.

The Mules travel to Friona Thursday to play the Braves in the two teams second district game.