For Cavalier fans, there is no place like Cav Stadium on Friday nights, and the September 6th last minute victory against the Rockwall Yellowjackets set into motion what appears to be another successful season ahead for Cav Nation. With a final score of 45-42, the game was jam-packed with shocking plays and catches, showcasing the star power from both teams.
“Man, what an exciting game. [I am] really proud of the offense, getting down there, taking care of business,” said Robby Belmarez, a LTHS senior, Cav long snapper and West Point commit. “It’s a huge learning moment for the whole team. We have things to get better on, but [what an] exciting win.”
1st Quarter Set-Up
The first quarter kicked off with a hard run by running back Vann Hopping, who gained 12 yards just five minutes into the game, followed by a 22-yard out-route pass to wide receiver, Lake Sidle. Hopping kept the momentum going with an explosive 24-yard gain, setting the stage for his 15-yard touchdown with four minutes left in the first quarter, followed by kicker Braydon Doane securing the extra point. On the next drive, wide receiver Patrick Colby added another ten yards, and Sidle amazed fans once more with a 44-yard gain with only 45 seconds left in the quarter.
2nd Quarter Scrambles
Cavs quarterback Chaston Ditta’s 22-yard scramble was followed quickly by a Rockwall touchdown, pushing the score to 7-17. With the Cavs down, Colby responded with a 40-yard gain and Sidle’s 15-yard jaw-dropping bobble catch resulted in a Cav touchdown, narrowing the gap to 14-17. Continuing with his impressive performance, Ditta completed a 20-yard run with three minutes left and a 28-yard run to the one-yard line with just under a minute remaining, setting up Hopping’s one-yard touchdown, bringing the halftime score to 21-17.
3rd Quarter Gains
Tight-end Josiah Thomas made a 15-yard gain immediately followed by Colby’s 20-yard touchdown, extending the Cavs lead to 28-17. His dominance continued with another 12-yard gain, and wide-receiver Dylan Cullers’ 32-yard catch setting up Doane for a field goal that brought the score to 31-28. Cullers’ stunning 52-yard catch led to Ditta’s QB sneak touchdown with only two minutes remaining in the third, pushing the score to 38-25.
4th Quarter Finale
The fourth quarter proved to be a true testament to the resilience and determination of Cav Nation beginning with Colby’s 14-yard catch and Thomas’ crucial 8-yard catch with just 45 seconds left in the game and set up the game-winning touchdown by Colby. A sack late in the quarter and a missed field goal by Rockwall sealed the Cavs triumphant win and left fans stunned by the sheer power of their team’s performance.
“We understand that’s a big-time opponent; hats off to Rockwall. They do a really, really good job [with a] good defense, ” said Coach RJ Gomez. “We have some really hard workers in that locker room, and we’re gonna continue to attack every day, take it one day at a time, and see where it takes us.”
With such dedication and versatility, LT is ready for a stellar season and will be traveling to Midland next Friday, September 13th, for what is sure to be another intense game and certain victory for our beloved Cavs.
Let’s go, LT!
