Last second interception seals victory

Senior news reporter

When the Navasota Rattlers and Stafford Spartans squared-off at Rattler Stadium both boasting an undefeated District 12-4A record, a battle was predicted but no one expected the war that ensued ending in a 10-7 win for Navasota.

Stafford (2-5,2-1) pulled ahead of Navasota (4-4,4-0) with a fourth-quarter drive that ended with a 1-yard run by Churchill Williams V. Edgar Bonilla booted in the point-after.

Navasota answered back with a huge 25-yard run by Darick Henderson who took a handoff up the middle and broke several tackles on his way to the endzone.

Stafford moved the ball quickly downfield with the clock winding down. Once time trickled down below a minute left to play with Stafford a few yards from the end-zone, the Spartans decided to try and attack through the air.

Tavarus Baker nearly picked-off the first pass that came his direction, but the ball slipped through his hands. Spartan quarterback looked Baker’s direction again on the next play and again Baker was there to deflect the pass. On Peters final attempt trying to pick on Baker and the Rattler defense, Baker stepped in front of the pass and returned it 106 yards.

The touchdown was called back due to a penalty on the return, but the interception sealed the win for the Rattlers. “On the sideline before we went back in on defense, coach Lipscomb who is our defensive backs coach told us to be aware of the pass,” explained Baker. “They needed it. T hey were down and the only way they knew to move the ball was to go deep and hopefully get a touchdown out of it. Once they got in the red zone it was a dog fight, but we ended up pulling it out at the end. I thank God that I got those three stops and that he gave me the athleticism to make the big plays.

Baker who also plays receiver was awaiting his opportunity to impact the game. “On offense I really wasn’t in the mix much but instead of getting frustrated or mad I came out on defense and just hoped the quarterback would throw the ball my way.”

Henderson who had the go-ahead score carried the ball eight times for 52 yards. Darius Randle finished his night with 96 yards on 24 carries.

Miguel Alvarado connected on a 41-yard field goal for the games first score in the second quarter.

Zack Dyer completed six of his 12 passes for 101 yards and an interception.

“We knew coming in this was probably the best defense we faced since pre-district. It was a struggle to get things going offensively and we committed too many turnovers, but we never quit fighting. I’m proud of the resilience our team showed, and they were able to overcome adversity,” said Navasota head coach Casey Dacus. “I don’t know if this team overcomes that same adversity last year. We are really beginning to grow as a team.”

Navasota plays a rare Saturday afternoon game as they travel to take on the Yates Lions Oct. 26, at 1 p.m. Stafford hosts Furr Friday at 7 p.m.