RIO HONDO — The task this week for Rio Hondo was to drown out the noise and focus on its opponent.
The Bobcats did just that as senior quarterback Josiah Ortega ran for three scores and threw four touchdown passes en route to a 55-42 win over Grulla.
“The passing game worked for us tonight,” Rio Hondo coach Rocky James said. “We were opening up running lanes, and we were able to throw the ball. We have been putting up points all year, and tonight was another opportunity for us to put up more points.”
The Bobcats improved to 5-0 on the year and now prepare for their blockbuster game against La Feria, which also won and is 5-0 on the year.
“We focus on each team one week at a time, and we knew this week was Grulla,” Bobcats running back Danny Vasquez said. “We never overlook anyone, and now we can focus on the La Feria game and it will be a good game.”
For a third straight week, the Bobcats’ offense was able to put up 50 points or more. The 55 points Friday night was the third-highest the offense has scored this season.
“We are very lucky here offensively, we have a lot of weapons that we can use at any time and they are always on the field,” James said. “The problem for Josiah is getting it to all those guys and spreading it around, and our offensive line is really the key to all of this, they did an outstanding job for us tonight.”
The offense jumped out to a 21-7 lead during the first quarter and managed to keep that three-score lead for a majority of the night.
“We made adjustments at halftime,” Vasquez said. “Coach Garza wanted me to hit the holes like I have in the past, and I was able to do those things tonight.”
Cross Gonzalez and Frank Hernandez caught two scores apiece, and Vasquez ran for a score.
The trio of Gonzalez, Hernandez and Vasquez caused fits for the Gators’ defense all night.
“I have been playing with these guys since TYFA,” Vasquez said. “It is a special thing to be able to play with these guys and be a part of this offense.”
