KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star
COLLEGE STATION — The new kids on the 7on7 block did not disappoint at the state tournament on Friday.
Raymondville did not back down, or give up, as the Kats overcame the heat and checked in a fine outing in their first trip to College Station.
“I’m proud of my team. We showed up and made some noise,” said Kats running back Marcus Capetillo. “We came together and won some games. It was a great experience coming here and competing against some good competition. Now the focus is the real season and we’re ready to get back to work.”
The Kats finished the tournament with a 3-2 record. On Thursday, they dropped their first game, but rebounded with two straight wins putting them in the winner’s bracket on Friday.
In their first game, Raymondville entered the second half tied at 14 with Bonham. After the teams exchanged touchdowns, Bonham took a 27-20 lead, but in the blink of an eye Capetillo forced a safety that gave the Kats two points and the momentum.
Much like Thursday, the Kats trailed but clawed their way back for a thrilling 28-27 victory. With just seconds left in the game, Jacob Posas hit Capetillo for the game-winning touchdown.
“My guys showed up,” Posas said. “They never ran a poor route; they were always ready to go. All of us gave it our best and it was a great outcome. I’m proud of them.”
In its second game of the day Friday, Raymondville trialed East Bernard 18-6 early then fell behind 26-6 at the half.
However, the Kats found their offense and rallied for 19 points in the second half, while the defense pitched a shutout.
Unfortunately, the Kats’ comeback fell short 26-25 to end their state tournament run.
Justin Cantu was another weapon Posas looked to for big plays along with Xavier Ledesma and Zaraivion Armendarez. Cantu provided the Kats with key plays on Friday and is now looking forward to the fall season.
“Jacob (Posas) and I go way back,” Cantu said. “We have been playing together since we were little, and he knows me and I know him. We kept pushing today and I gave it my best. This was a great experience. The competition was tough and we knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but I’m ready for the season to come so I can play with my brothers.”
How the Kats fared
Pool B games
Thursday
-vs Sunnyvale, L 32-19
-vs Burnet, W 33-27
-vs Palestine, W 33-26 (finished 2nd)
Division II championship bracket
Friday
-vs Bonham, W 28-27
-vs East Bernard, L 26-25