RAYMONDVILLE — For the better part of the season, the Raymondville Bearkats have been successful because of their ability to be consistent across the board.
Friday night’s victory over the Kingsville King Brahmas was no different, with the exception of one breakout player: Zaraivion Armendarez. The sophomore standout had two big touchdowns and one interception on defense to lead the Bearkats to a 45-10 victory.
“Offensively we just kept after it, but Zaraivion had a hellacious night,” Raymondville coach Frank Cantu said. “He’s been slowly being put more and more into the offense. Xavier Ledesma caught some great passes and I thought Jacob (Posas) passed the ball really well, and everybody as a whole I think we just played some solid football.”
Armendarez scored on a 37-yard touchdown run and 65-yard touchdown reception before almost returning an interception for another TD.
“Last week he had a big week, and this week he had another,” Cantu said. “When he touches the ball good things happen, so this week we were able to give him the ball a few more times and every time he gets it something exciting happens. We are very happy for the way he is coming along because he is a great asset to have. And then you throw in Marcus Capetillo, who also had a big night as well.”
Armendarez finished the night with 71 yards rushing, 74 yards receiving. Last week against St. Joseph, the sophomore had 100 yards receiving.
The Bearkats’ offense has been consistent this season. Against Grulla, the Bearkats tallied 408 yards of offense, against Lyford they had 488 yards, they put up 471 yards against St. Joseph and, against Kingsville King, the Bearkats again produced a consistent 477 yards.
Defensively, the Bearkats had another impressive night, allowing 134 yards (95 yards during the first half, 39 yards in the second).
“I’m real happy with the way the defense has been playing,” Cantu said. “We have just been tackling well, and I’m super proud of the way these guys are coming out and playing football right now.”
GAME NOTES: Posas again had a big night, passing for 206 yards. The senior started the scoring with a 47-yard touchdown run to put the Bearkats up 7-0. During the third quarter, Posas threw a precise pass to Armendarez to stretch Raymondville’s lead to 31-3. … Capetillo broke a 49-yard touchdown run during the third quarter. The senior running back/cornerback finished with 87 yards and one TD. … Justin Cantu make his biggest mark on the game during the fourth quarter. After the Brahmas scored their only touchdown with 1:41 left in the game, Cantu took the ensuing kickoff and returned it 88 yards for a touchdown.
