Port Isabel runs over La Grulla

By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR.
Special to the PRESS

This past Friday, Oct. 28, the Port Isabel Tarpons were on the road to take on the La Grulla Gators in a 16-4A district matchup.
In their previous game, La Grulla lost to Raymondville 27-14 while Port Isabel beat Bishop 14-7. Heading into this final district week, the (7-2) Tarpons entered the game tied with (5-4) Bishop as both teams featured a 2-1 district record. Even though all of the district teams automatically qualified for the UIL playoffs, acquiring the top playoff seed would be preferred. The Tarpons struck first and often, as they dominated the Gators for a final of 45-0. Port Isabel’s quarterback, Rudy Barrera, had an exceptional game
In the game’s opening drive, PI’s quarterback dropped back for a pass and felt defenders closing in, so he scrambled and ran 75 yards for paydirt. Within only 20 seconds of the game, the Tarpons were quickly up 7-0. As well as it turned out for PI, things got ugly for the Gators. After picking up 20 yards on the kickoff return, the Gators fumbled the ball away on QB to RB handoff.
Both teams punted on their ensuing possessions. After a punt pinned the Tarpons at their own six-yard line, RB Andrew LeBlanc found a big hole on the right side and bolted free for a 79-yard run. Three plays later, QB Barrera ran it in for the score. A successful extra point kick made it 14-0 PI, with 2:56 left in the first quarter.
On the Gators’ ensuing drive, they were forced to punt after the Tarpons limited them to only two yards. The Tarpons opened their next drive with a nine-yard run by RB Jose “JoJo” Ochoa, as the first quarter came to an end. At the Gators’ 48-yard line, QB Barrera dropped back for a pass and found RB Evan Galvan for a 12-yard pass play. Two plays later, RB Galvan took the handoff and scrambled for a 35-yard touchdown run. A successful extra point kick made the score 21-0 PI, with 9:40 left in the second quarter.

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