“When you play PI they are going to run down the clock and they are going to pound the ball,” said Bobcats head coach Rocky James. “(Defensively) we couldn’t get off the field in the first half. In the second, we were able to give the offense more reps and it was hard to get any rhythm.
“Scoring on the opening drive in the second half really set the tone for us and I was glad we were able to come out with the victory. We lead the Valley in defense, so I knew we were going to come to play, but they drove the ball on us, though, and they did a tremendous job tonight.”
The Tarpons (4-2, 1-1) took an early 7-0 lead in the first quarter. On their first possession of the game, the Tarpons drove the ball 59 yards down the field and scored on a 1-yard quarterback keeper by Omar Silva, chewing up 10 minutes of the clock in the process and racking up four first downs.
Rio Hondo had one offensive possession in the first quarter alone and just two more in the second.
Meanwhile, Port Isabel had three consecutive turnovers, one that allowed Rio Hondo to put some points on the board.
Facing a third-and-long, a deflected pass led to a 90-yard pick-six by Joshua Gonzalez to tie the game at 7-7 at the half.
Immediately after the break, Rio Hondo put together a drive of its own, taking six minutes off of the clock and setting up quarterback Daniel Flores for an 8-yard TD run with 5:36 remaining in the third. Teammate Andy Vasquez would later score from 1-yard out in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
The victory gave the Bobcats (5-1, 2-0) a two-game win streak against the Tarpons and an all-time 18-16 series lead.
“Getting this victory against a district opponent and a great opponent like PI means a lot,” said James. “I’m glad for the history of Rio Hondo that we have the advantage right now in the series, but it’s really all about this game and taking care of business right here tonight.”
There is no time to rest for the Bobcats. Next week Rio Hondo travels to Orange Grove to take on the undefeated Bulldogs for what could be the district title.
Meanwhile, the Tarpons welcome West Oso to Tarpon Stadium.