CONVERSE — McAllen High quarterback Fred Hover described Saturday’s game as a “butt kicking.” The Bulldogs can only hope it was an educational one.
State power Odessa Permian had an easy time against McHi, cruising to a 35-7 win on Saturday at D.W. Rutledge Stadium.
Bulldogs coach Kevin Brewer scheduled the game with the intent of exposing his team to some of the best talent in the state. By halftime it was clear that Brewer had done just that, as Permian had already claimed a 28-0 lead.
“We’re not going to play a whole lot of teams that are better than that right there,” Brewer said. “We played with a size factor, and a speed factor, and an execution factor that is going to help us grow and learn for the teams that we face later down the road. I wouldn’t have traded this for anything from the standpoint of, I think it’s going to make our program better.”
McAllen learned just how far it has to go on Saturday, as Permian dominated nearly every phase of the game.
At halftime, the Panthers had amassed 259 yards to McAllen’s 95. Running back Brandon Bailey racked up 117 of Permian’s 174 first-half rushing yards on just 11 carries. He also scored two touchdowns — including a 49-yard jaunt on the third play from scrimmage — before sitting most of the second half.
“Odessa came out and they punched us in the mouth, and we couldn’t really get on our feet,” Hover said.
The Bulldogs especially struggled find a footing in the rushing game.
Workhorse back Ricky Rodriguez, who ran for 1,371 yards and 20 touchdowns last season, gained just 24 yards on 13 carries.
Rodriguez toted the ball just once in the second half due to a shoulder injury. Brewer said the injury isn’t expected to be serious, and Rodriguez should be fine.
“We just couldn’t gain control of the line of scrimmage,” Brewer said.
Brewer said the Permian defense gave McAllen trouble in the ground game by attacking the strength of the offensive formation. The rest of McAllen’s struggles were pinned on execution. The Bulldogs dropped three passes Saturday.
Turnovers were also an issue for McAllen. Backs Rodriguez and Isaiah Gonzalez each lost fumbles, and Hover threw an interception when he was hit as he released a pass during the second quarter.
“We’ve got to shore up a lot of things,” Brewer said.
Brewer felt good about McHi playing to a 7-7 tie in the second half, albeit against many of Permian’s second- or third-string players. Overall, the Bulldogs hope the game can help the team grow. McAllen plays Edinburg High on Friday.
“It was an experience,” wideout Ryan Puente said. “(Permian is) a good team and we’re a good team, so we’re going to learn from it. We’re going to get better as we go.”
BAD SNAPS
McAllen’s offense also struggled to get into rhythm because of inconsistent exchanges between Hover and center Jose “Chico” Reyes. The Bulldogs lost 15 yards on a snap that went over Hover’s head. McHi also lost 9 on an errant snap later in the game, killing another potential drive.
Brewer said Reyes has been battling an illness.
“That young man has had a stomach virus for two weeks, and he fought his butt off out there today,” Brewer said. “He’s been dehydrated, he hasn’t been able to eat. I think he just got a little physically weak and was struggling. But he fought back and finished strong.”
SPECIAL TEAMS
Brewer said coming into the game that special teams and the turnover battle were going to be key, and he felt that McHi came through on special teams.
The Bulldogs were solid in punt coverage and forced a muff, while Rodriguez had minor success returning kickoffs prior to his injury.
“Very, very pleased with our special teams,” Brewer said. “I thought they did a great job.”
SECOND BACK
McAllen has never been afraid to give Rodriguez a heavy workload, but on Saturday they may have found another option. Junior Isaiah Gonzalez carried the ball 11 times for 29 yards. Although the numbers aren’t stellar and Gonzalez fumbled on McHi’s final offensive play, Brewer was happy with Gonzalez’s performance.
“The young man did a great job,” Brewer said. “That’s key for us. We need to have somebody to spell Ricky, and I think he showed us today that he can do it.”