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Bi-district champions
See Video News for more Sandcrab fan video
BY BILL HARVEY
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Coming into Saturday night’s game, the Floresville Tigers might have guessed that things might not go their way. Depleted by injuries at the quarterback position, the Tigers were forced to start their third quarterback against a Calhoun defense that was rested and ready. Offensively, the ’Crabs had enjoyed two weeks of preparation and with the bye week had healed some of their own bumps and bruises.
Calhoun won the toss, deferred to the second half and lined up to kickoff to the Tigers. Kicker Esteban Martinez drove the football deep into Tiger territory and in making the tackle Martinez separated the Floresville runner and the football. Joey Calzada jumped on the loose ball and Calhoun was in business on the Tiger 43 yard line.
It did not take long for the Sandcrabs to capitalize on the misfortune of Floresville. With less than two minutes having expired in the first period, Daylan Bubenik scooted 31 yards for a TD and Martinez added the PAT for a 7-0 lead. The Tigers went three and out on their first possession of the game, suffered a very short punt, and Calhoun scored for a second time (only 90 seconds after the first touchdown of the contest) when Sterling Jones raced 39 yards into the end zone. The point after was good and Calhoun lead 14-0 with 8:33 left in the first period.
The Sandcrabs struck for the third time in the opening period when James Ezzell ripped off a 56 yard run into the end zone. After Martinez’s third PAT of the period, Calhoun led 21-0. They had scored 21 points in only six minutes and twenty seconds.
Floresville came right back and scored on a 61 yard touchdown pass at the four minute mark of the first period to which Calhoun answered with their fourth score of the first period. Ezzell ran the final two yards as the ‘Crabs took a 28-7 lead into the second quarter.
The second quarter was actually rather uneventful save for one Floresville kickoff. Floresville managed a 30 yard field goal and lined up to return the ball to the Sandcrabs. Now, any team watching game films of the Calhoun Sandcrabs would quickly realize that a preponderance of teams this season have elected to keep the ball away from Xaviar Archangel and/or Bubenik. Not a bad strategy considering what these guys can do with a full head of steam and a little room. The downside is that teams have often kicked off to Corey McDonnough, whose racing style is a bit like drag racing in a funny car – he just gets faster the longer and straighter that he runs. McDonnough fielded the Tigers kickoff, smoked his tires for about ten yards then burned up the track into the end zone. The play was called back on an infraction that took place far behind him, but it was something to see regardless of whether it counted or did not count. He was motoring.
Calhoun received the opening kickoff of the second quarter and wasted no time in widening the distance between themselves and their opponents. Archangel hauled in a beautifully thrown pass from Ezzell and ran untouched into the end zone at the 10:07 mark of the third period: Calhoun 35-Floresville 10.
The fourth period also belonged to the Sandcrabs. Brandon Sanders lined up behind center, took the snap, read the defense and handed the ball to fullback Jones. Fifty-four yards later Jones had given the ’Crabs a comfortable 32 point lead. Head Coach Richard Whitaker began to substitute liberally as many of the starters came off the field to watch younger players get a taste of playoff competition.
Floresville was unable to move the football throughout the period and while some players ran on the field and others off in preparation for a Tiger punt, onto the field trotted number 83, Frankie Garza. For those who followed the Calhoun JV this year, Garza achieved cult following. Diminutive in stature, but carrying within his body the heart of a lion, Garza had been a stalwart for the JV.
As Garza stood on the near side of the field to receive the punt, his name began to rise from the stands. Standing beneath the ball, watching it fall from its zenith of flight, he treated a step or two, tucked the ball under his arm and headed up field. Now he did not get very far, maybe a couple of yards before a group of Tigers pounced and dragged him to the ground. Still, in typical Frankie fashion, he jumped to his feet and headed to the sidelines as if it was just another day at the office.
Here, in the final moments of this Bi-District win, every player on Calhoun sidelines was yelling “Frankie!” as he rejoined the mass of black and gold clad teammates on the sidelines. They gathered around, slapping him on the helmet and shoulder pads. Those of us privileged enough to be there last Saturday witnessed one of those rare, fleeting magical moments in sports when it truly does not matter whether you win or lose, but how you play the game.
Calhoun added a final score when freshman Joseph Bargas scored with 1:40 left in the game and the successful PAT punctuated an outstanding 49-10 Calhoun victory. “Over the last two weeks we prepared as well or better than we had all season,” said Head Football Coach Richard Whitaker. “The kids were focused in practice and I told them that if they played like they had practiced this week then good things were going to happen to this team.”
Indeed, good things did happen. Offensively, the Sandcrabs rolled up 515 yards of total offense-- 469 rushing yards and 46 passing yards—and scored seven offensive touchdowns. Jones led the way with 182 yards on 17 carries and went over the 1,000 yard mark in the game. Through nine games, Jones has rushed for 1,134 yards (averaging 7.2 yards/carry) and has scored 14 rushing touchdowns. Ezzell ran for 81 yards on 16 carries, Archangel picked up 53 yards on six carries, Bubenik had 31 yards on two carries and Brandon Sanders had 45 yards on three carries. Ezzell completed one pass for 46 yards and a touchdown.
On the defensive side of the scrimmage line, Calhoun had one of their best nights of the season. “We felt like we could have success in stopping the run,” said Defensive Coordinator Cory McFall. “They had some injuries at quarterback and we wanted to pressure them there. We did what we wanted to do; we held them to less than 200 yards of offense. It helps us tremendously when our offense scores 14 points while the opposition has only run three plays.”
Next up for the Sandcrabs is a team that is no stranger, the Edcouch-Elsa Yellow Jackets. It is probably safe to say that both Calhoun and E-E will be facing the best teams they have faced this year when they line up against each other. Edcouch-Elsa is unbeaten and Calhoun has one loss. The Yellow Jackets played District 32-4A, which as a whole was not as competitive as District 30-4A. In fact, of the four 32-4A teams that entered the playoffs last weekend, only E-E is still in the hunt, while all four of the 32-4A teams (Calhoun, Gregory-Portland, CC Ray and Beeville) were victorious. This one will probably be close.
Calhoun and Edcouch-Elsa will play in Kingsville, at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Javelina Stadium.
Calhoun won the toss, deferred to the second half and lined up to kickoff to the Tigers. Kicker Esteban Martinez drove the football deep into Tiger territory and in making the tackle Martinez separated the Floresville runner and the football. Joey Calzada jumped on the loose ball and Calhoun was in business on the Tiger 43 yard line.
It did not take long for the Sandcrabs to capitalize on the misfortune of Floresville. With less than two minutes having expired in the first period, Daylan Bubenik scooted 31 yards for a TD and Martinez added the PAT for a 7-0 lead. The Tigers went three and out on their first possession of the game, suffered a very short punt, and Calhoun scored for a second time (only 90 seconds after the first touchdown of the contest) when Sterling Jones raced 39 yards into the end zone. The point after was good and Calhoun lead 14-0 with 8:33 left in the first period.
The Sandcrabs struck for the third time in the opening period when James Ezzell ripped off a 56 yard run into the end zone. After Martinez’s third PAT of the period, Calhoun led 21-0. They had scored 21 points in only six minutes and twenty seconds.
Floresville came right back and scored on a 61 yard touchdown pass at the four minute mark of the first period to which Calhoun answered with their fourth score of the first period. Ezzell ran the final two yards as the ‘Crabs took a 28-7 lead into the second quarter.
The second quarter was actually rather uneventful save for one Floresville kickoff. Floresville managed a 30 yard field goal and lined up to return the ball to the Sandcrabs. Now, any team watching game films of the Calhoun Sandcrabs would quickly realize that a preponderance of teams this season have elected to keep the ball away from Xaviar Archangel and/or Bubenik. Not a bad strategy considering what these guys can do with a full head of steam and a little room. The downside is that teams have often kicked off to Corey McDonnough, whose racing style is a bit like drag racing in a funny car – he just gets faster the longer and straighter that he runs. McDonnough fielded the Tigers kickoff, smoked his tires for about ten yards then burned up the track into the end zone. The play was called back on an infraction that took place far behind him, but it was something to see regardless of whether it counted or did not count. He was motoring.
Calhoun received the opening kickoff of the second quarter and wasted no time in widening the distance between themselves and their opponents. Archangel hauled in a beautifully thrown pass from Ezzell and ran untouched into the end zone at the 10:07 mark of the third period: Calhoun 35-Floresville 10.
The fourth period also belonged to the Sandcrabs. Brandon Sanders lined up behind center, took the snap, read the defense and handed the ball to fullback Jones. Fifty-four yards later Jones had given the ’Crabs a comfortable 32 point lead. Head Coach Richard Whitaker began to substitute liberally as many of the starters came off the field to watch younger players get a taste of playoff competition.
Floresville was unable to move the football throughout the period and while some players ran on the field and others off in preparation for a Tiger punt, onto the field trotted number 83, Frankie Garza. For those who followed the Calhoun JV this year, Garza achieved cult following. Diminutive in stature, but carrying within his body the heart of a lion, Garza had been a stalwart for the JV.
As Garza stood on the near side of the field to receive the punt, his name began to rise from the stands. Standing beneath the ball, watching it fall from its zenith of flight, he treated a step or two, tucked the ball under his arm and headed up field. Now he did not get very far, maybe a couple of yards before a group of Tigers pounced and dragged him to the ground. Still, in typical Frankie fashion, he jumped to his feet and headed to the sidelines as if it was just another day at the office.
Here, in the final moments of this Bi-District win, every player on Calhoun sidelines was yelling “Frankie!” as he rejoined the mass of black and gold clad teammates on the sidelines. They gathered around, slapping him on the helmet and shoulder pads. Those of us privileged enough to be there last Saturday witnessed one of those rare, fleeting magical moments in sports when it truly does not matter whether you win or lose, but how you play the game.
Calhoun added a final score when freshman Joseph Bargas scored with 1:40 left in the game and the successful PAT punctuated an outstanding 49-10 Calhoun victory. “Over the last two weeks we prepared as well or better than we had all season,” said Head Football Coach Richard Whitaker. “The kids were focused in practice and I told them that if they played like they had practiced this week then good things were going to happen to this team.”
Indeed, good things did happen. Offensively, the Sandcrabs rolled up 515 yards of total offense-- 469 rushing yards and 46 passing yards—and scored seven offensive touchdowns. Jones led the way with 182 yards on 17 carries and went over the 1,000 yard mark in the game. Through nine games, Jones has rushed for 1,134 yards (averaging 7.2 yards/carry) and has scored 14 rushing touchdowns. Ezzell ran for 81 yards on 16 carries, Archangel picked up 53 yards on six carries, Bubenik had 31 yards on two carries and Brandon Sanders had 45 yards on three carries. Ezzell completed one pass for 46 yards and a touchdown.
On the defensive side of the scrimmage line, Calhoun had one of their best nights of the season. “We felt like we could have success in stopping the run,” said Defensive Coordinator Cory McFall. “They had some injuries at quarterback and we wanted to pressure them there. We did what we wanted to do; we held them to less than 200 yards of offense. It helps us tremendously when our offense scores 14 points while the opposition has only run three plays.”
Next up for the Sandcrabs is a team that is no stranger, the Edcouch-Elsa Yellow Jackets. It is probably safe to say that both Calhoun and E-E will be facing the best teams they have faced this year when they line up against each other. Edcouch-Elsa is unbeaten and Calhoun has one loss. The Yellow Jackets played District 32-4A, which as a whole was not as competitive as District 30-4A. In fact, of the four 32-4A teams that entered the playoffs last weekend, only E-E is still in the hunt, while all four of the 32-4A teams (Calhoun, Gregory-Portland, CC Ray and Beeville) were victorious. This one will probably be close.
Calhoun and Edcouch-Elsa will play in Kingsville, at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Javelina Stadium.
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| AREA CHAMPS | Lawmen make 23 weekend arrests |
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Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of portlavacawave.com.
Tony Sandoval wrote on Nov 19, 2008 9:18 AM:
" From an Edcouch-Elsa Jacket fan:
Congratulations to the Sandcrabs on your Bi-District win over Floresville. We look forward to a good game this week in Kingsville with you and hope that this will begin a friendly rivalry. Lets pray for an injury free game and good luck to both teams. Go Jackets "
Congratulations to the Sandcrabs on your Bi-District win over Floresville. We look forward to a good game this week in Kingsville with you and hope that this will begin a friendly rivalry. Lets pray for an injury free game and good luck to both teams. Go Jackets "
crabcrazy wrote on Nov 21, 2008 1:02 AM:
" OK Sandcrab Fans...just wanted to share a little something with you that I thought we could all be proud of. Best of all...it is spot on.
Comment From: valleyfan (Report this comment as a violation)
Thu Nov 20, 2008 23:26:50 CST
Last time we played Port Lavaca Calhoun, I was so impressed with their fans. Their fans were many, classy, humble and genuinely excited about their football team. They are an easy team to cheer for because of their wonderful fans. Don't ruin the image I have of some of the best fans in Texas High School Football with your hateful ignorant comments. EE fans could learn alot from the Sandcrab fans. It should not be the other way around.
Sandcrabs Fans....We are a class act...just like our team. "
Comment From: valleyfan (Report this comment as a violation)
Thu Nov 20, 2008 23:26:50 CST
Last time we played Port Lavaca Calhoun, I was so impressed with their fans. Their fans were many, classy, humble and genuinely excited about their football team. They are an easy team to cheer for because of their wonderful fans. Don't ruin the image I have of some of the best fans in Texas High School Football with your hateful ignorant comments. EE fans could learn alot from the Sandcrab fans. It should not be the other way around.
Sandcrabs Fans....We are a class act...just like our team. "
Gary wrote on Nov 21, 2008 10:31 AM:
" Good Day,
Jackets 52
PLC 20
Not only is their a swarm, but a hurricane too.
Look at Nino's numbers and check the totals.
I am happy to see that PLC has resently began a new era, congrats. Somewhat like the Jackets but yet different. Hope for another "PLAYOFF RIVAL" type game? "
Jackets 52
PLC 20
Not only is their a swarm, but a hurricane too.
Look at Nino's numbers and check the totals.
I am happy to see that PLC has resently began a new era, congrats. Somewhat like the Jackets but yet different. Hope for another "PLAYOFF RIVAL" type game? "
crabcrazy wrote on Nov 18, 2008 11:54 PM:
So here many of you are, Seniors, on the threshold of the game that we have been waiting for...Calhoun vs. Edcouch Elsa in the Area playoffs. During the first season..we were not ready for this match up...and last year with the injuries we had the time would not have been right either, but this year is different. Edcouch is loud, braggy, tough, big, and a good team....but THEY ARE BEATABLE...and THIS IS THE SANDCRAB TEAM THAT CAN GET IT DONE. Like I have said before...when you guys work together as the well tuned team you are...you make BIG THINGS HAPPEN. Stay focused, believe in yourselves, trust and believe in your fellow teammates, and play like the finely tuned dream team machine that you are...and you will walk off of that field the winners!
I have read lots of well wishes and good luck sent out to our Sandcrabs by other teams and fans in our district who would love to see the Crabs take down the Jackets.
As for Crab Nation...we will be there in full force...supporting you on Friday night....you are our pride, you are our team...and we will be there to celebrate with you when that final whistle blows.
GO FOR THE GOLD SANDCRABS! YOU CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN!! "