For the first time this season, the St. Mary’s six-man football team played an entire four quarters.
The Rams’ first four contests ended early because of the 45-point mercy rule, but Friday night was different. St. Mary’s and Round Rock Concordia Lutheran – both 1-4 – went the distance in the Cardinals’ 80-59 victory against the Rams at Memorial Field in Taylor.
The difference proved to be a trio of defensive stops for Concordia in the first half. Each team scored on their first two possessions of the game, but the Cardinals were able to stop the Rams three times on fourth down and cashed in with touchdowns each time.
Steven Reyes and Jose Hengst scored on runs of 44 and 60 yards, respectively, in between a Concordia touchdown run as St. Mary’s enjoyed an early 13-7 lead. But the Cardinals scored on their next four drives to seize a 34-13 lead that would not be relinquished.
Ridge Lossen scored on a 54-yard run to end the Rams’ scoring drought late in the second quarter, but Concordia scored on the final play before halftime to take a 40-19 lead at the half. Reyes had 122 yards rushing in the first half.
The Rams seemed to have momentum after forcing a turnover on downs, which led to Reyes scoring on a 22-yard run to trim their deficit to 40-26 early in the third quarter. But the cycle of trading scores continued instead.
Concordia matched St. Mary’s scores for the duration of the third quarter to take a 54-32 lead into the fourth. Reyes also had a three-yard touchdown run in the third.
The Cardinals forced another turnover on downs and scored to make it 61-32 before Reyes scored on a seven-yard touchdown run to make it 61-39. But the teams continued to trade scores in the final 10 minutes, which saw Lossen score on runs of 60, two and 47 yards.
Reyes led all carriers with 375 yards and four touchdowns on 33 carries. Lossen (eight carries, 212 yards, four TDs) and Hengst (eight carries, 90 yards, TD) also contributed.
St. Mary’s will hit the road for its district opener next week. The Rams visit Waco Methodist Children’s Home at 7 p.m. Friday at Bulldog Field, 780 Baker Ln., Waco.
