3A Team of the Week: San Diego Vaqueros
It was a must-see matchup in San Diego last Friday. The 7-1 Vaqueros hosted 8-0 Rio Hondo, knowing a win would secure them a district title.
Rio Hondo showed why it was undefeated early, jumping out to 14-3 and 21-10 leads over the Vaqueros.
San Diego never wavered. In the fourth quarter, Vaqueros quarterback Fran Villagran completed the comeback with a seven-yard passing touchdown to Ronnie White as San Diego held on for the 22-21 victory.
A year ago, the Vaqueros finished 4-7 and placed fourth place in district. Now, they’re district champions.
“What impressed me the most was our team’s ability and determination to find a way to win,” San Diego head coach Matthew Garcia said. “Credit to all our players, they did a great job executing. Bringing back a district title to San Diego means everything. Not only for our team, but for all of San Diego.”
San Diego running back Nicholas Luera had an incredibly busy night, rushing for 197 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries. Vilagran threw for 206 yards and a touchdown, while White topped the receiving corps with six catches for 82 yards.
San Diego is now 8-1 on the season and a perfect 5-0 in district play. It will wrap up its regular season this Friday at Bishop before turning its attention to pursuing its first playoff win in five years.
“Our goals go beyond a district title,” Garcia said. “We talked back in January about that being a milestone in our journey, but not the ultimate destination. Our kids are looking forward to whatever challenge presents itself next.”
Previous 3A Teams of the Week
Week One: Maypearl
Week Two: Cameron Yoe
Week Three: Shallowater
Week Four: Sabine
Week Five: Tatum
Week Six: Dalhart
Week Seven: Hardin
Week Eight: Merkel
Week Nine: Hempstead
