JV Mules vs. Kermit (9-24-2013)

JV Mules vs. Kermit (9-24-2013)

The JV Mules had a lot of adversity to overcome this week going into the Kermit Yellow Jacket game. But the Mules are Mules and seem to find ways to win. The Jackets had the size advantage Thursday evening but the Mules were undeterred.

The Mules took the lead for good early when Isaac Mendoza tossed to Jeremiah Smith for a 79-yard touchdown. Mendoza added the two-point conversion with a pass to Tim Perez. The Mules led 8-0 with 4:13 left in the first period.

The Mules continued to gain confidence as the game continued and rolled over the Jackets 50-8.

Mickey Lozano had set up the score by intercepting a Jacket pass at the Mule four-yard line. The Mules needed just three plays to score.

Kermit returned the ensuing kickoff to the Jacket 38. The Jackets fumbled on the first play and Zack Atwood recovered the loose ball on the Jacket 46.. Mendoza had runs of nine, three and five yards.

Mendoza rolled left to draw in the defense before pitching to Perez. Perez scampered the final 34 yards for a touchdown. Perez booted the point after to give the Mules a 15-0 advantage with 2:43 still in the first period.

Justin Carrion kicked off for the Mules to the Jacket 28. Jaime Ceja scooted down field to make a big hit and tackle at the Jacket 39.

Jacob Kettner and Sergio Solano sniffed out the wide-receiver screen pass on second down for just a two-yard gain. It was three and out for the Jackets and the Mules allowed the punt to roll dead on the Mule 34.

The Mules ran out of steam at midfield and turned the ball over on downs.

The Jackets only score came on a 54-yard run with 3:46 remaining in the half. The two-point conversion was good and the Jackets trailed the Mules 15-8.

Mendoza returned the kickoff 26 yards to the Mule 47. Then Mendoza moved the ball down field with runs of 11 and two yards before scoring on a run of 34 yards with 52 seconds left in the half.

Perez lined up to kick the extra point but instead he picked up the tee and appeared to be leaving the field. The ball was snapped to Solano as Perez tossed the tee to the sideline. He then turned up field and raced to the end zone. Solano tossed the ball to Perez for the two-point conversion and a 23-8 Mule lead at the half. 

Kermit kicked off to start the second half and Mendoza returned the ball 17 yards to the Mule 37.

Mendoza tossed a wide-receiver screen pass to Jojo Rejino for nine yards. Smith snagged a pass for 33 yards over the middle. Mendoza scooted 18 yards around the left side for a TD. The Mules led 29-8 with 8:16 remaining in the third period.

The Mules kicked off out of bounds and Kermit started the ensuing drive at the Jacket 37. Perez stripped the ball on first down. Atwood picked up the loose ball and scampered 22 yards for a touchdown. Perez kicked the point after for a 36-8 Mule advantage. It had taken the Mules 10 seconds to put another TD on the board.

The Jackets could not move the ball and punted on fourth down to the Mule 24.

Mendoza hit Rejino running a crossing route for 13 yards and a first down. Mendoza started right on a keeper but reversed his field for a 56-yard touchdown run to put the Mules on top 42-8 with 3:51 left in the third period.

The Jackets were forced to punt after Ceja sacked the quarterback for a 12-yard loss. The Mules appeared to be allowing the ball to roll dead and the Jackets did not kill it. Lozano picked up the ball and raced five yards before being brought down at the Kermit 35.

Perez took a pitch right for 15 yards on first down. Then Carrion took a handoff for the final 13 yard for a touchdown with 9:50 left in the game. The Mules lined up for a PAT kick but the snap was high. Perez scrambled back for the ball, spotted Smith and tossed him the ball in the end zone for the final two-points of the game.

Mendoza led the Mules with 12 carries for 164 yards and three touchdowns. Perez had seven carries for 50 yards and one TD. Carrion rushed once for 13 yards and a score. Mendoza completed 14 of 22 attempts for 204 yards, one touchdown and had no interceptions.

Smith made two catches for 104 yards and one touchdown. Kettner had three catches for 43 yards. Rejino caught three passes for 24 yards, Solano had three receptions for 22 yards and Lozano made one reception for three yards.

Perez led the defense with eight tackles and forced two fumbles. Solano made four stops and forced a fumble. Atwood had four tackles, recovered two fumbles and scored a touchdown. Mendoza and Lozano made two tackles and intercepted a pass each. Miguel Lucas recovered a fumble. 

The Mules will take a week off before traveling to Amarillo River Road October 8 to open district play against the Wildcats.