Tenaha’s Raymond Jackson Stadium, Friday, November 2, 2018 - (Photo Album)
A 23-yard Jesus Bravo field goal with just 44 seconds remaining in Friday’s District 11 Class 2A football game gave the Joaquin Rams their first lead against the hometown Tenaha Tigers. A Ram’s defensive interception just 25 seconds later iced the game, a 23-21 win for Joaquin, and insured them a playoff berth with just one game remaining in conference action.
Tenaha took an early lead after Erik Smith caught a 20-yard touchdown from Hayden Jenkins with 8:24 minutes left in the first quarter. Christian Castillo added an extra point kick which gave Tenaha a 7-0 advantage.
Joaquin’s Hunter Gates answered with a 68-yard touchdown run with 7:28 left in the opening period. A Jesus Bravo extra point kick tied the game at 7-7.
An 80-yard Jaqualin Franks touchdown reception helped Tenaha take a 14-7 lead at the 9:07 mark of the second quarter.
Joaquin attempted a 22-yard field goal with just 12 seconds left before halftime but the try sailed wide-left of the uprights. The teams went into the halftime intermission with Tenaha leading 14-7.
Just three plays into the second half, Conner Bragg tied the game at 14-14 with a 55-yard touchdown run.
Jay Lloyd scored on a 4-yard Tiger touchdown reception with 2:12 left in the third stanza and Tenaha led 21-14 going into the final period of play.
Hunter Gates busted loose on a 44-yard scoring run at the start of the fourth period. This pulled JHS to within a point of Tenaha at 20-21. The Ram’s extra point kick attempt failed.
The Rams intercepted a Tiger pass attempt at the one-yard line with 8:28 left in the game. Joaquin mounted a 24-play drive which resulted in a fourth- down-and-five-yards-to-go situation at the7-yard line. Ram Jesus Bravo was able to kick the 23-yard Ram’s field goal with 44 seconds remaining to give Joaquin what proved to be their first and the game’s final lead.
Joaquin’s overall record now stands at 7-2. They are 3-2 in district competition. They will host the Harleton Wildcats (1-8, 0-5) on Friday, November 9, 2018. Kickoff at Rams Stadium is at 7:30 p.m.
Tenaha’s overall mark is 6-3. They have a 3-2 conference record. They will travel to Linden-Kildare High School on Friday, November 9, 2018 for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff with the 6-3, 2-3 Tigers.
