Queen crowned, Bulldogs caged
Examiner photo by Matthew Ybarra Keith Steptoe fights through two Bulldog defenders for a big gain in the Rattlers 42-0 Homecoming win.
Examiner photo by Matthew Ybarra Darius Randle crosses the goal line for his second touchdown of the night. Randle finished the game with 150 yards rushing on 18 carries and 2 touchdowns.
The Navasota Rattlers have eagerly awaited the moment the “Big Blue Train” would get moving down the track and begin to steamroll opponents. That moment happened for the Rattlers as they steamrolled the North Forest Bulldogs 42-0 Friday, Oct. 4, for Homecoming 2019.
The Rattlers (2-4, 2-0) began their huge night offensively with the first of Darius Randle’s two touchdowns on the ground. Randle found the endzone in the first quarter for a 19-yard score. Miguel Alvarado completed the score with the successful point-after-kick.
“If it wasn’t for the coaches, I wouldn’t be able to run the ball the way I was able to. They have really been enforcing ball security drills which has helped me secure the ball better,” stated Randle.
Navasota struck again in the quarter, this time through the air. Zack Dyer connected with Tavarus Baker for 64 yards. Dyer was 5-of-12 passing for 162 yards and 2 touchdowns. “It was amazing. It seems like all the pieces we have been working to put together this week and throughout the season fit together perfectly,” stated Dyer. “The offensive line was doing their part; receivers were running great routes and I’m blessed that God gave me the talent to get the ball to them.”
Darrick Henderson crossed the goal line twice in the second quarter, the first on offense with a 3-yard run.
Henderson’s second score was on defense. Senior lineman Jordan Jefferson, who is committed to play for Texas A&M, reached the North Forest quarterback and brought him down as he was attempting to pass. The ball was up for grabs and hauled in by Henderson who returned the interception 33-yards to extend the Rattler lead 28-0.
Navasota scored once more before halftime, on Baker’s second touchdown reception good for 63 yards. Isabel Garcia was crowned Homecoming Queen at halftime escorted by Weston Finke, and then the Rattlers came out and began to move the ball again.
The Rattlers used numerous run plays in the third quarter to chew up time and increase its lead. Randle punched it into the endzone for a second time, this one from 13-yards out. Randle had an awesome game toting the ball 18 times for 150 yards and two touchdowns. The Rattlers rushed for 286 yards as a team.
“I’m extremely proud of the offensive line,” explained Jefferson. “When we came out after halftime, they took over the game and we marched the ball right down their throat on about six to seven consecutive run plays.”
After remaining perfect in District 12-4A Navasota head coach Casey Dacus is pleased with his team’s performance. “It was a good night for us. We started off fast and we got after it pretty good early and it began to snowball in the second quarter, and we got on a good roll and we did the same in the third.”
“I’m really pleased with the guys,” explained Dacus. They have been putting in a lot of work and they are being rewarded for that.”
North Forest (1-5, 0-2) will host the Furr Brahmans Friday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m. Navasota travels to Butler Stadium Friday, Oct. 11, to square off against the Worthing Colts at 7 p.m.