Del Valle Finally Defeats Andress In The Bi-District Playoffs

They say the third time is a charm; for Del Valle it proved to be as they defeated Andress 42-21 in the bi-district playoffs.  Andress had won the previous two meetings between the squads in the opening round of the playoffs.

Despite not having starting quarterback Steven Montez for a third consecutive game, Del Valle ran the ball with efficiency, and back up QB Anthony Lopez was a key contributor to the Conquistadores' victory.  Del Valle took an early 14-0 lead over Andress in the first quarter.  Both Del Valle scores where rushing touchdowns by back up QB Anthony Lopez.

Once the second quarter began, Andress started to establish their ground game on what was a chilly, rainy, windy night in Northeast El Paso.  Eagles' running back Tayshaun Gary cut the Conquistadores' lead in half when he scored on a 15 yard touchdown run with 5:10 remaining in the second quarter.  Andress tied up the game at 14-14 when QB Troy Klimansky threw a 29 yard TD pass to Elden Coleman just prior to halftime.

The Eagles carried their momentum into the 3rd quarter when Troy Klimansky found Eddie Sinegal to give Andress the 21-14 lead.  Del Valle came right back as quarterback Anthony Lopez found his wide receiver Jacob Robles for a 5 yard touchdown on a key 4th and 5 conversion.  The extra point was blocked, hence Andress held a narrow 21-20 lead.

The Conquistadores confidence was transparent at that point because they went on to score the final 28 points of the game and win the contest 42-21.  Andress committed 3 key  turnovers that ultimately led to their demise.  Del Valle running back Jose Rascon had 146 yards with 1 TD, and back up QB Anthony Lopez had 3 touchdowns, 2 rushing and 1 passing.

Del Valle will travel to Midland to play Friendship in the Area round of the playoffs next Saturday.  It will be a daunting task for Del Valle to say the least as Friendship is 11-0.  As the famous cliché goes though, that's why they play the game.