El Paso Eastlake stifled the offense of El Paso Jefferson and used explosive plays in the passing game to cruise to a 56-13 win on Friday night from the Socorro ISD Student Activities Complex. The Eastlake Falcons played one of their best defensive games of the year as they held the Silver Foxes without a first down in the first half.
“Our guys played a good game tonight,” Eastlake head coach J.J. Calderon said after the game, “Offense looked sharp and the seniors stepped up with their leadership.”
After holding Jefferson to three and out on its first two possessions, quarterback Justin White struck and found Emilio Rios for a 55-yard touchdown pass to open the scoring. After another three-and-out, the Falcons struck again with a one-yard touchdown run from Ezekiel Jones to make it 14-0. Rios would finish with 112 yards receiving on the night.
El Paso Eastlake wide receiver Emilio Rios finished with 112 yards receiving and a touchdown in the win over El Paso Jefferson. (Photo: Courtesy of Chad Puerling)
The Falcons defense would go to work with two interceptions in the second quarter, one of which was returned 40 yards for a touchdown by Devon Pinero. White would also throw an 18-yard touchdown pass to Ivan Avina and Jones would add another 55 yard run to make it 35-0. The senior quarterback finished with 153 yards passing in the first half.
“Justin and I work hard but really it’s about the entire offense,” Rios said on the offense, “He just gives a chance to make plays and that’s what is going to take us far.”
The second half was more of the same for Eastlake as freshman running back Alberto Donacio would add two more touchdown runs. Jefferson would get their first first downs of the third quarter and the Foxes would avoid getting shutout as Alvarez would throw a touchdown pass to Ian White-Torres and Rubio would add a two-yard touchdown run to cap off the scoring.
Jefferson ends their season at 3-8 on the year but Calderon took notice on the direction of the program.
The El Paso Eastlake defense did not allow Jefferson to gain a first down until the third quarter. (Photo: Courtesy of Chad Puerling)
“I just want to say congratulations to Jefferson,” Calderon said, “That program is going in the right direction and the kids have a lot of heart.”
As for Eastlake, they will now face Abilene Cooper at 6 p.m. CST next Friday in Fort Stockton. After getting blown out by Lubbock Monterey in last year’s playoffs, the team is confident that they can overcome the area round hurdle from last year.
“We’re healthy and our defense has done well to step up,” Calderon said, “I think our guys are ready to get after it next week.”
“We’ve been preparing for this moment since we started the season,” Rios said, “It’s not something that’s new to us and we’re ready to bring it and show people what El Paso is made of.
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