‘Wall passing’ key to Apache victory

GONZALES — After suffering a disappointing district-opening 2-2 tie to La Grange, the Gonzales Apaches got back on track with a tough 2-1 victory over Sealy.

Suriel Rangel was the goal scorer for the Apaches, earning a brace with his two first-half goals, as the team improved on their touches as well as their wall passing skills to earn the win.

“Our wall passing was greatly improved,” Head Coach Greg Ramirez noted. “I know for one, we’ve been working on that and it’s coming out to what we need.”

Their tie against La Grange last Friday was more than enough motivation to get back in the winning track, especially in a tough District 28-4A.

“Today was extremely important because that’s a really good team.” Ramirez said. “Playing a team like this, playing a team like Sealy prepares us more for district.”

The district includes a resurging Giddings team who knocked off Caldwell 8-0 last Friday and the state-ranked Austin Eastside Memorial squad who fought for a district title last year with the Apaches.

“Every game we’re growing and getting stronger,” Ramirez explained. “We’re going to need it against those two teams there. We relaxed, I’m going to say, [against La Grange]. That shouldn’t have been. Now that these guys know what to expect from a district team, they are going to step it up. They know that. When we play against Giddings it’s not just going to be given to us. When we play against Eastside, it’s not going to be given to us, for sure. In order for that to happen we need to make sure we step up our game 100 percent.”

The Apaches host their first home district game of the season, a 7:15 p.m. match at Apache Field against Columbus on Friday.