RGVSPORTS.COM
By rallying to beat Rio Grande City 20-10 on Thursday, Sharyland Pioneer recorded its sixth consecutive win.
The Diamondbacks came from a 10-3 halftime deficit at home, despite the loss of their first two quarterbacks. Pioneer drilled a 42-yard field goal, and then later blocked one by the Rattlers before returning it for a touchdown.
“This was a big win,” Diamondbacks coach Jason Wheeler said. “To be a playoff team, we control our own destiny.”
Pioneer (6-0, 2-0) suffered a couple injuries Thursday, namely to its starting quarterback Alejandro Ramirez, who sustained a concussion during the second quarter. The Rattlers were down to their third signal caller Tyler Bulthuis, a freshman QB last year, who has played receiver this season.
“Tyler showed a lot of composure for a sophomore,” Wheeler said. “He took maybe five snaps at all week at quarterback. He’s a good runner, and our offensive coordinator did a good job of calling plays that suit him.”
The Diamondbacks recovered four turnovers in the second half, including interceptions from Jesus Sanchez and Chris Villarreal. Contrary to its 6-4 win over Valley View last week, Wheeler said his team had favorable field position all game.
“It was a physical game, and our defense made good adjustments,” Wheeler added. “It was a good win for us. A tough district win. A lot of kids really responded well at halftime. We could’ve been frustrated the way things went, but we just kept playing.”