With 7:33 left in the fourth quarter, Zapata's QB #2 took the ball and raced untouched for 35 yards to the 1 ft. line, Bearkats' end of the field. This play was indicative of the type of game the Bearkats had to play to dethrone the reigning district champs, Zapata Hawks. On this specific play, I was surprised to see defensive lineman, #58 Eli Tamez, hustle on the play. Tamez pursued the ball carrier and he put a hit on him, knocking him out-of-bounds on the 1 ft. line. Plays like this one and sheer hustle by the defense allowed Coach Leal's Bearkats to capture the title last Friday night.

After a scoreless first quarter, the 'Kats scored first on a 39 yard TD pass from #6 R. Salinas to #12 Dustin Alejo. The 'Kats led 7-0 at the 10:34 mark second quarter. The play was a double-reverse, pitchback to the QB, flee-flicker. The play is called the Premont Special. The 'Kats executed the play perfectly.

With 2:57 left in the second quarter, #8 Ochoa returned a Zapata punt deep into Hawks territory. The 'Kats had to settle for a 24 yard field goal by #4 V. Sanchez. The 'Kats took a 10-0 lead at the half. The first half belonged to the 'Kats.

With 10:45 left in the third quarter #12 D. Alejo took a pitch from the QB. Alejo took it to the limit, 72 yards to paydirt. 'Kats led 17-0 after the P.A.T. at this point of the game, it seemed like the 'Kats were going to run Zapata out of the stadium. With 3:21 left in the third period, Zapata started a 54 yard, 8 play drive, picking up a 4th and 14 yard first down on a fake punt. #22 A.J. Gutierrez scored to bring the score to 17-7 'Kats.

The wheels, it seemed were starting to fall off the Bearkat wagon. After a Zapata interception, the Hawks marched downfield 52 yards on 11 plays, once again #22 Gutierrez scored to close the gap, 'Kats 17-14. With 7:33 the Hawks recovered a fumble on the kick-off. The Hawks set up camp in the 'Kats 36 yard line. Zapata capped a 3 play drive and they took the lead 20-17. The Bearkat partisans were silenced completely. Everyone was in shock. The Hawks recovered yet another fumble on a kick-off. At this point, the fork nearly ran away with the spoon. The 'Kats recovered a Hawk fumble inside the Bearkat 5 yard line. With 3:31 left in the game, #6 Salinas connected with #1 Jake Garcia on a 60 yard TD bomb to seal the win for the 'Kats 24-20. There was bedlam at Raymondville.

The 'Kats have a bye this week. State playoffs begin in two weeks. Back the 'Kats.