Converse Judson Routs San Antonio Wagner
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Updated: September 7, 2019
photos: Steve Thomas
Rockets Blast Thunderbirds in Fourteenth Hammer Bowl
The Hammer Bowl between the Converse Judson Rockets and the San Antonio Wagner Thunderbirds is the epitome of a big-brother-versus-little-brother rivalry. Established in 1959, Converse Judson has become a powerhouse both in the San Antonio area and the state of Texas. The Rockets have won six state champions and are perennial contenders for a district title and a deep playoff run. Wagner, meanwhile, opened in 2005 and has been seeking to establish its own legacy. Last year, the Thunderbirds advanced to the UIL 5A Division 1 semi-finals where they lost to eventual runner-up Alvin Shadow Creek.
Entering Friday’s game, Judson led the all-time series 11-2. Both teams entered the game at 1-0. Last week, Judson held on to beat Clear Springs 44-28; and Wagner easily handled Laredo United South 42-7.
From the outset, the Rockets dominated both sides of the ball. Offensively, the Rockets posted 512 total yards of offense with 214 on the ground and 298 through the air. Defensively, the Rockets forced two fumbles and an interception which they converted into 21 points. Penalties and miscues also hurt the Thunderbirds, and the Rockets were able to cruise to 52-14 victory.
On the opening drive, the Thunderbirds amassed a total of negative four yards due to a false start and were forced to punt. Despite starting at their own 17-yard line, the Rockets scored first on running back De’Anthony Lewis’s 30-yard touchdown run. The Rockets then surprised the Thunderbirds with an onside kick, and kicker Humberto Villareal capped off the drive with a 40-yard field goal.
Following the field goal, the Thunderbirds drove the ball to the Judson 29-yard line. However, the Rockets’ defense laid a devastating hit on receiver Andre Booker and recovered the resulting fumble. Three plays later, quarterback Mike Chandler connected with receiver Amarea Bailey-Davis for a 32-yard touchdown pass. After the Rockets’ defense forced Wagner to punt again on the next drive, De’Anthony Lewis found the end zone again on a 49-yard touchdown run.
On the ensuing drive, Judson defensive lineman Darius Hughes returned an interception 26 yards for a touchdown. The struggles continued for Wagner on the following kickoff when Judson recovered a fumble at the Wagner 29-yard line. Two plays later, Lewis found the end zone again on a 16-yard touchdown run to put Judson up 38-0 going into halftime.
In the second half, Mike Chandler connected with receiver Davion Wilson on a 45-yard touchdown pass which put Judson up 45-0. Later in the third quarter, Wagner got its first big break of the night when they recovered a fumble deep in Judson territory. Quarterback Mark Alanis then found the end zone on a one-yard touchdown keeper.
Early in the fourth quarter, Wagner found the end zone again when receiver Joerell Brown scored on a 46-yard touchdown run. The Rockets responded on the next drive when Judson receiver Aristide Brown scored on a 50-yard screen pass to bring the game to its final score of 52-14.
With the win, Judson improves to 2-0 overall. Next week, the Rockets will host the Harlingen Cardinals to wrap up non-district play. The Cardinals are also 2-0 following wins over Mission Sharyland Pioneer and Laredo United South.
Wagner, meanwhile, falls to 1-1 overall. Next week, the Thunderbirds will open district play against the San Antonio Sam Houston Hurricanes. The Hurricanes are 0-2 following losses to Fredericksburg and Antonian Prep.
by Steve Thomas
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