Apaches Claw Past Tigers in Heated District Opener

Coming off a bye week, the Gonzales Apaches returned to action Friday night and opened district play with a 42–12 road win over the Smithville Tigers at Tiger Stadium. 

The Apaches started strong as #12 Travis Malveaux broke free for a 90-yard rushing touchdown midway through the first quarter to put Gonzales on the board. #13 Damian Ordenia added the extra point for a 7–0 lead. 

Late in the first, quarterback #11 Luis Zuniga connected with #1 Damian Hunt for another score, and the pair linked up again in the second on a 44-yard pass that capped a 92-yard drive to extend the lead to 21–0. 

By halftime, Gonzales led 28–0 and continued to control the tempo in the third as Malveaux added another touchdown. A broken field goal attempt turned into a highlight moment when David Clack scooped up the ball and found #10 Christian Jurek in the end zone for a successful two-point conversion, putting Gonzales ahead 36–0. 

Clack later added a rushing touchdown of his own early in the fourth quarter to help secure the 42–12 victory. 

While the Apaches dominated the scoreboard, the matchup proved to be a heated one, with tempers flaring and penalties stacking up on both sides. Gonzales showed grit through the adversity, finding ways to finish drives and keep control of the game. A large, vocal Apache crowd made the trip to Smithville, giving the team a strong presence on the road in their district debut. 

The Apaches move to 1–0 in district play and will look to build on their momentum — and their composure — when they return home this Friday, October 10, to host Lago Vista. The game will also serve as First Responder Night, honoring those who serve and protect the community.