By ROY HESS, Staff Writer
There’s a first time for everything.
Friday marks the inaugural meeting in football for St. Joseph Academy(4-1) and San Antonio Christian (3-2). They play at 7 p.m. at Canales Field, with the victor gaining a 1-0 start in TAPPS Division I District 2 action.
The Bloodhounds may not be too familiar with their new district opponent, but they’re expecting a battle, especially through the airways.
“This will be the first time we’ve matched up with them,” SJA coach Christian Putegnat said. “We’re excited. They’re coming here first, and it’s always a plus not to have to travel for the first district game.
“They’re a passing offense like we are half the time with a pretty good-sized quarterback,” he added. “I feel it will play into our favor. Our defensive backs and linebackers are good defending the pass. I’m hoping that will be a correct assessment come Friday.”
The Lions are led by senior QB Andrew Hawkins, a 6-foot-5, 208-pounder who has completed 70 of 117 passes for 879 yards and nine touchdowns with only one interception. In a 28-10 win against Pleasanton last Friday, Hawkins completed 11 of 17 passes for 115 yards and a pair of TDs. Teammate Chris Cantu, a running back, rushed for 112 yards and two scores to also highlight the win.
The Bloodhounds, seeking a trip to the TAPPS playoffs for the fifth straight year, are sparked by freshman QB Kai Money, who has passed for 829 yards (73 of 138) with nine TDs and three interceptions. Money also has rushed for 546 yards on 65 carries for an 8.4-yard average and seven TDs.
Money’s top receivers are brothers Bernardo and Jorge de la Garza. Bernardo, a sophomore, leads the team with 25 catches for 251 yards, while Jorge, a senior, has caught 22 passes for 286 yards. Each has four TD receptions.
Also for the Bloodhounds, sophomore running back Mario Garcia has rushed for 451 yards on 68 carries for a 6.6-yard average and six TDs.
SJA is coming off a bye week after suffering its first loss, 44-21 on Sept. 26 at Port Isabel.
“My evaluation of the first half of our season is two part,” SJA offensive coordinator Tino Villarreal said. “We started off with a great passing game and a not-so-great running game, and we finished the first half with a strong running game and not so much in the passing game. It gives us a lot to work on as we try to piece those two things together for district.
“We’ve always tried to balance out at 50-50 (between the run and the pass),” Villarreal added. “We started the season 70-30 for the pass and lately we’ve been 60-40 for the run. We’re still working (on balancing things out).”
Whether it’s passing or running, much of the credit for how well SJA is moving the ball belongs to the Bloodhounds’ offensive line, where junior Abram Caram, a 6-3, 260-pounder, is the lone returning starter.
“It was a little complicated in the beginning having new guys on the line and seeing just who was going to be in what spot,” Caram said. “But when it came down to having one guy secured at each position, everyone gave it their all, we helped each other out and it has really been a great experience. We try our best every play and just try to bring each other up .
“I think the first half of our season was better than last year, but still not good enough,” he added. “I think we could have done better, and that’s something that comes with hard work. We just need to work harder in the next games to come.”
After playing the Lions, SJA will be at home next Friday against San Antonio St. Anthony’s.